Watkinson controls matters in Quins victory

Trowbridge's fate this season was almost certainly made clear after this first visit to Doric Park by Qxford Harlequins. The visitors took the lead in the 2nd minute, when Quins fly half and man of the match Sam Watkinson put over a 40 metre penalty. Their backs were dangerous on the counter attack as the match progressed but they were unable to trouble the scorers and Trowbridge, with their forwards successfully putting together a series of phases took the lead when hooker Dave Martin went over for a try on 20 minutes. Tom Weaver, making a welcome home return after being out for over a season with a broken leg, converted. From that point, there was an entertaining period of end to end rugby which ended in a Jack Robinson try for Quins after a break from centre Ollie Jenner on 38 minutes. Watkinson converted but there was still time before the break for Tom Weaver to converted two penalties and the sin binning of visiting centre Huw Dimond when Trowbridge lead 13-10.

The second half started with Harlequins moving up a gear and cutting out the penalties they gave away in the opening period. Watkinson was effectively directing operations and levelled the scores with a penalty soon after the break. Both sides continued to play expansive rugby in perfect conditions, but it was not until 23 minutes into the half when a mesmerising move resulted in a score for Dimond who had earlier returned from the bin. Watkinson converted and the score was 20-13. Four minutes later Quins flanker Charlie Ward was also given a 10 minute break but Watkinson increased the lead on 33 minutes with another penalty. Oxford were then down to 13 men when their skipper and second row Alan Purchase was yellow carded by referee Jerry Herbert, but despite this reduction in numbers, Quins replacement No 8 Robin Craig scored a try and it was now 28-13. Trowbridge with the benefit in numbers then rallied and scored two tries from Gareth Davis and George Leat. Both were converted by Weaver, but in between Watkinson kicked a penalty that required Trowbridge to make two scores before the final try and the referee blew for no side after the last Trowbridge try.

Although Oxford deserved to shade the match, this was a much better performance by Trowbridge than in recent matches, but with wins for Grove and High Wycombe they have fallen two places into a relegation position. They also have to travel to Towcester and Newbury in the next three weeks, with Maidenhead at home in between and all of these teams are in the top 5 of the league at present.