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Harlequin Ladies Play Rosslyn Park at The Stoop
By Jo Everett October 8 2002
Following Saturday’s impressive performance by the NEC Harlequins, the Ladies team enjoyed a fantastic opportunity to play at the Stoop themselves.
They may not have come away with a win following a very tight game against local opposition, Rosslyn Park, but the chance to play in front of such a large and supportive crowd had a great impact on team morale.

The opening minutes proved very shaky for the Quins Ladies, with their knock-on from Rosslyn Park’s kick-off quickly turned into a try by the visitors. When Quins found themselves once again on the back foot deep inside their own half, they attempted to kick for territory. The Rosslyn Park full-back anticipated the kick well and ran the ball straight back down the pitch to score Park’s second try.

A thing of beauty
The driving maul - a thing of beauty
Shame the ref couldn't get their loose head on side!
©Jo Everett

The 0 – 10 scoreline finally gave the Quins Ladies the kick-start they needed, and suddenly it was Rosslyn Park’s turn to play a more defensive game. When fly-half, Kate Sinfield, charged down a Rosslyn Park kick, Becky Willsdon (playing at Outside-Centre) was quick to react: picking up the ball and charging it over the line to open the scoring for Quins.

It was just before half-time, when full-back, Alex Burbidge, made a break through Park’s defence to set up Leah Carey for the equaliser.

The second-half saw a relentless attack by Rosslyn Park held off by Harlequins’ secure defensive line. The visitors found themselves unable to make the most of the pace of their backs with the Quins’ defence repeatedly pushing them out into touch.

When Quins did win the ball, they seemed unable to keep possession in contact and found themselves entrenched in their own half. Despite their hard work in defence, Quins could not keep the determined Rosslyn Park from crossing the line once more, taking them into the lead.

Quins did fight back in the last minutes of the game, but it was a case of “too little too late” leaving them with their third defeat in as many games.

The Harlequin Ladies would like to thank the staff NEC Harlequins for this great opportunity to play at the Stoop, and the very supportive crowd that stayed on to watch their game.

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