JASON Booth’s first-half try proved in vain for Wimborne as they suffered their fourth defeat in six South West One East games.

The Minstermen went down 37-5 at Oxford Harlequins and slipped to 10th in the table.

With the hosts officially unveiling their new 3G pitch at Horspath Sports Ground, it took Wimborne a while to adapt to conditions.

Harlequins saw plenty of the ball and gradually established an early lead with two tries in the first quarter.

The one bright spark for Wimborne was their only score which came midway through the opening period.

After an astute grubber kick from Ollie Bourton, Booth was on hand to win the foot race and touch down in the corner.

Wimborne continued to turn over too much possession however and Harlequins were able to extend to 25-5 their lead at the break.

Despite ringing the changes during the second half, the visitors continued to have their work cut out.

As the contest went into the final quarter, Wimborne found themselves down to 14 men when Jack Mason was shown a second yellow card.

With two further scores extending the hosts' advantage, the Minstermen were left to ponder a 32-point reverse.

They face Royal Wootton Bassett at Leigh Park Saturday, October 20.

  • Meanwhile, an impressive second-half comeback from New Milton earned them an 18-10 home triumph over Hampshire Premier rivals Alresford.

Despite falling 10-0 behind with the visitors making a rapid start, Ed Hynd crossed before the break to keep the hosts in contention.

Two successful penalty attempts from the boot of Adam Lavis put Milton into a one-point lead before the contest’s defining moment.

After a barrage of Alresford pressure, Milton’s Rhys Frampton intercepted a pass and broke through the line.

He brushed aside two tackle attempts to place the ball under the posts at the other end.

Lavis added the extras to ensure the hosts recorded their second victory of the campaign.