OXFORD Harlequins took a big step towards avoiding relegation when beating Old Centralians 48-34 at Marston Ferry Road.

Two tries apiece from Pete Boulton and Chris Davies helped Quins beat their Gloucestershire visitors on the day the club celebrated their 20th anniversary.

They now head to third-placed Old Patesians knowing a bonus point will keep them in South West 1 East – the ace up their sleeve being they would have more victories than their relegation rivals if the sides finished level on points.

If Quins do not pick up a point, they will have a watchful eye on Windsor’s trip to Chippenham, hoping for either a draw or the losing team does not earn more than one bonus point.

Grove, who lost 24-5 at Royal Wootton Bassett, are also hoping for the same scenario.

Quins led 10-3 against Old Cents, thanks to Boulton’s converted try and Sam Watkinson’s penalty.

Harry Preece kicked a penalty for the visitors.

Cents levelled when Sam Preece went over, but Quins led 24-10 at half-time when Boulton and Davies crashed over.

A Watkinson penalty increased their lead on 44 minutes, but Cents reduced the deficit to ten points when Ben Turk crossed.

Quins raced into a 41-17 lead, thanks to tries from Davies and Keni Fisilau, before the visitors replied through Simon Price.

Watkinson, who converted all six tries, put the result beyond doubt, running in from half way.

Reuben Goatley scored two late tries for Cents, for whom Harry Preece kicked three conversions, but it did not matter.

Witney lost 60-10 at Old Patesians.

The home side led 48-0 after 57 minutes, thanks to tries from Scott Alldritt (3), Rory Sharratt (2), Ollie Booth and Takuya Osaki, as well as a push-over score.

Alex Foggett streaked over for Witney, only for George Angell to reply and make it 55-5.

Rhys Morgan crossed for the visitors, but Duncan Spurrier added Patesians’ tenth try.

Osaki added six conversions.

Banbury lost 36-7 at Windsor.