Quins dig deep to beat Uxbridge

On Saturday afternoon, Quins made the journey to Uxbridge in the hope of kick starting our Herts/Middlesex 2 campaign after a somewhat slow start in our opening fixtures.

After a shorter and slightly more rushed warm up than usual, we were ready to get things underway for what was to be a real see-saw game. Buoyed by the return of Mike Watson at tight head and great work around the tackle area by Will Flaherty and Joe Watkins, Quins seemed to have the upper hand in the opening exchanges and were awarded a number of penalties for scrum and breakdown infringements. The pressure appeared to show on the Uxbridge defence and after periods of great skill, handling and support lines, we found ourselves 0-14 up after two well taken tries. The first by Alec Smail, almost immediately followed by George Jaques. At this point it looked as if we might run up a cricket score.

Unfortunately Uxbridge had other ideas and really turned it up a notch. They slowly started gaining parity at the scrums, being awarded a number of penalties themselves, and had our lineout under pressure all afternoon. For the rest of the half Uxbridge set up camp in our 22. Solid defence from Quins thwarted a number of scoring opportunities, scrum half Paul Hibbert, having a great day at the office, held up an Uxbridge player over the line. The pressure finally took it's toll though, and Quins conceded an unconverted try to go in at half time 5-14 up.

After a stern talking to at half time Quins knew they had to start the second half as they did the first to really kill off the game. However it was Uxbridge who started better and within a fifteen minute period had scored 3 tries after some strong breaks from their 12 to put themselves in a commanding 22-14 lead.

At this point most spectators could be forgiven for thinking Uxbridge might run up a cricket score of their own, but Quins had other ideas. Skipper George rallied his players and Quins finally found the next gear. We ground our way back into the Uxbridge 22 and after a number of penalties, Paul crashed over from short range to claw the score back to 22-19. Conversion missed. The game now really opened up as both sides tired and it took a number of last ditch tackles from Aaron and James Addiss to prevent Uxbridge scoring again.

With 10 minutes to go Quins again found themselves in the Uxbridge 22. After numerous phases and some great ball retention Will Flaherty picked from the base of a ruck and showed great strength to power over for the try. The conversion was missed, which took the score to 22-24. The final minutes of the game were all about defence as Quins repelled the big Uxbridge runners again and again. The final play of the game saw the 'Bridge No.8 pick from the base of a scrum and get driven into touch to bring the final whistle.

A great win on the road for Harlequins, albeit not a pretty win. Particularly pleasing was a strong return at 10 for Graeme Tew, and a great debut from young winger Stuart who kept his opposite number on his toes all afternoon.

Quins have a 3 week break from league action now in which to get things ready for the visit of last seasons Herts 1 side Haringey Rhinos to St Mary's on 7th November.