WITNEY landed a crucial 21-5 victory at home to local rivals Oxford Harlequins to boost their hopes of staying in South West 1 East.

Defeat could have seen the west Oxfordshire side, who occupy the final relegation spot, slip 11 points adrift of safety.

And it looked to be heading that way when Witney found themselves on the backfoot and had Rikki Dore sin-binned.

Quins made the most of their strong start to take the lead on 27 minutes, when Fotu Latu powered over.

But Witney hit back to lead 7-5 at the break after a frantic end to the first period.

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  • Oxford Harlequins lock Allan Purchase bids to avoid a tackle during his side’s defeat against Witney Picture: Ric Mellis

George Lewis looked certain to go over and was hit by a high tackle, which resulted in a penalty try.

However, Witney found themselves permanently down to 14 men on the stroke of half-time, when Alex Foggett was red-carded.

Quins had dominated the first 40 minutes and looked certain to take control in the second period with the wind against their backs.

But Witney extended their lead to nine points when Dan Wakeman dived over, Arron Lambourne converting.

A Quins player was sin-binned with two minutes to go and the hosts made sure of victory when Rhys Morgan dotted down after chasing Callum Godfrey’s grubber, Lambourne adding the extras.

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  • Fotu Latu goes over for Oxford Harlequins in the first half Picture: Ric Mellis

Banbury scored nine tries to beat Wimborne 57-14.

Ian Isham and Ed Berridge both crossed twice as the hosts made it five league wins in a row.

Banbury raced into a 24-0 lead, thanks to tries Isham, Sam Stoop, Tommy Gray and Berridge (see video), Ed Phillips kicking two conversions.

Wimborne reduced the arrears to 17 points, when Josh Booth crossed, Jack Young adding the extras.

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  • Ian Isham goes over for his second try during Banbury's win over Wimborne Picture: Simon Grieve

Bulls continued to dominate after the break and tries from Callum Horne, Jack Briggs, Isham, Berridge and Joe Mills, Phillips converting four times, made it 57-7.

Wimborne picked up a consolation score through Declan Foley, Ryan Morrell converting, but Banbury were already out of sight.