OXFORD Harlequins held off the challenge of a big Newton Abbot pack to record a hard-fought 29-20 home success in National 3 South West on Saturday.

Struggling Quins showed great resilience to hit back from 8-5 behind to go 29-8 ahead against their sixth-placed rivals.

And although the visitors scored two late tries, Quins comfortably held on.

The hosts were soon under pressure, but repelled several Newton Abbot attacks before taking the lead in the 12th minute.

Ethan Carlisle came into the line at pace, selling a dummy before scoring a superb unconverted try in the corner.

It took Newton Abbot 31 minutes to get on the board, fly half Stephen Ward kicking a penalty to reduce the deficit.

And three minutes later, the visitors went 8-5 ahead, when winger Jack Bond dived over in the corner.

Crucially, Quins hit back before halftime.

Tom Tierney twice kicked on from deep in his own half, and a superb 55-metre run saw him gather and score a brilliant try.

And it got even better a minute before the break, when Quins again struck from deep in their own half.

Carlisle timed his pass well to send Tierney on a 50-metre run to the line.

Will Sharratt converted for a 17-8 halftime lead.

Quins started the second period strongly and on 55 mins were awarded a penalty try, which Sharratt converted.

Ten minutes later, the home side extended their advantage when Lloyd Willcocks powered over to make it 29-8.

Newton Abbot tried to muster a response, but two tries in the final two minutes from Kyle Browne and Will Castleton proved too little, too late.