1st XV
Matches
Sat 02 Apr 2016
Harlequin Amateurs Rugby Club
1st XV
34
17
Feltham
Quins win in the sunshine

Quins win in the sunshine

David Love6 Apr 2016 - 20:54
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https://www.harlequinrugby.co.

Last home game of the season gives the 1s a good win

The final Home league game of the season saw Harlequin Amateurs welcome Feltham RFC to St Mary's on Saturday.

For a game that was supposedly a bottom of the table clash, the match was played with high quality, flowing rugby from both teams. The result of which was never really assured until the final quarter.

Both teams have struggled for form and consistency throughout the season, so the fact the game went ahead is a credit to both clubs at this stage of the season, with nothing but pride to play for.

The game got under way with Quins playing into the Spring sun in the first half. Although clearly up for the game, we found ourselves 0-3 down in the first ten minutes after a penalty for a high tackle. We responded almost immediately. With great phase play and ball retention, and half backs Si Rowland and Paul Hibbert controlling the forwards well, Sam Asfahani crashed over from 5 metres out, taking a couple of Feltham players over the line with him. 7-3.

It wasn't long before we had our second try of the afternoon. Much in the same fashion as the first, the Quins pack worked its way upfield with a number of crash balls and pick-and-go's. Eventually Sam Asfahani found himself in a bit of space 10 metres out on the right hand side of the pitch. Instead of getting his head down, as he did for his try, he drew the defender and gave a SBW-like offload round the back to Jake Walker who ran in unopposed for our second try. Conversion missed, 12-3.

At this point, Quins felt they might be in for an easy afternoon, but Feltham certainly had other ideas and proved that if any team in this league switch off, they have the players to put points on the board. Also not helped by the fact that Quins lost their dangerous attacking fullback, Sham, to a knee injury, Feltham put together a couple of good phases, and managed a well worked try. The conversion brought the game to 12-10.

Conceding the try seemed to be the wake up call Quins needed. We started to control the game more, turning ball over at the set piece, Luke Nugent turning over a number of scrums against the head at hooker. Our forwards carried hard and consistently got over the gain line, allowing our dangerous backs to make yards. Great runs from Joe Watkins, Alec Smail and Chris Addis in particular. With such control over the game in the final stages of the first half, we managed two more tries before the interval. One from Zeke, playing his first game of the season, but didn't look like he'd missed a single match. The other coming from Alec Smail to close out the half. Both conversions missed, 22-10 at half time.

The second half was played in much the same way as the first. Quins using their forwards to work good field position and allow the backs quick, clean ball. Paul Hibbert and Joe Watkins both making great breaks for the try line, only for Feltham to make last ditch tackles to prevent the scores.

A score for Quins did come after 15 minutes into the second period. Well worked phases took Quins deep into the "22" and after pick-and-go's by Joe Watkins, Chris Weatherley and Luke Nugent, The Feltham defence began to creak and one final pick-and-go from Sean Gorman took him over the line to score. Jake Walker took the score to 29-10 with the extras.

Both teams fought hard for the next score and with injuries to Sam Asfahani and Simon Wood, Quins needed a reshuffle. Feltham took full advantage when their full back spotted a gap and ran in between two defenders to score. 29-17.

With the clock ticking down, Quins continued to work their way into the Feltham half once again and Alec Smail took the chance to score his second try of the afternoon with the final play of the game. The conversion was missed, brining the final score to 34-17 to Harlequins.

Thanks to all the supporters that came down to enjoy some rugby in the sunshine. Thanks also to Susie Fisher (http://susiefisherphotography.com) for the photos.

MOM went to Luke Nugent for another all action performance from the hooker.

DOD went to Jon Ede. Despite having a great game, his finishing skills require work and being stripped of the ball over the try line will usually be enough to get you DOD!

Last game of the season is away to Mill Hill on 16th April. Mill Hill will be looking to avenge their defeat at St Mary's earlier in the season. All support welcome.

Match details

Match date

Sat 02 Apr 2016

Kickoff

15:00

Meet time

13:30
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Sponsor - MYCO
Club Sponsor - Savills
Club Sponsor - Norman Rourke Pryme LLP