Old Emanuel's versus Harlequin Amateurs

On a wet Sunday morning Harlequins u.15's made their way to Old Emanuel's in New Malden. This was a ground which witnessed one of their most famous victories in a festival. October 2017 saw 8 of them (at least) return with their new Quins comrades. A bigger, older, wiser set of young men. A similar wet day was in prospect, so would there be a similarly positive result?

As with the performance previously Quins got off to their notorious slow start. In minutes the squad were down a couple of tries and conversions to a strong Emanuel side. It did seem a miss match for two sides meant to be at the same level and so the score started to build.
However, 10 minutes from half time Quins had a prolonged period of intense pressure in Old Emanuel's 22 for the first time. This was rewarded with what seemed to all a try. Even the opponents touch judge (nearest placed) waved the try. Unfortunately he was over-ruled by their ref. It was not to be!

The second half saw a good showing by Quins at the start, but the OE's started to motor again and they got a few more tries, not all converted. Quins had a number of forays into their opponents half. Their pressure was rewarded with a try and a conversion and a similar move saw another try and conversion for Quins. That made it 74:14.

The result wasn't what was planned it was unfortunate that the teams were not correctly matched and it ended a little one sided. That said the attitude of the Harlequins squad was outstanding. Heads did not drop. There was ferocious tackling in defence and each and every player made important tackles to stop the opposition.

This gives Kyran and the squad plenty to work on in the next few weeks in training. This coming Sunday will focus on;
Attacking the ruck
Looking after our own ball
Defensive Alignment and
Spacing (looking up)

Well done the boys for sticking with it. See you all at Waldegrave Road and let’s hope Emanuel 2 later in the season will not end up another Rotten Tomato. Next game 5th November.