Harlequins kicked off with the wind behind them, and their quick chase soon secured possession for the visitors. With Quins forcing their way deep into the home team’s half, Newbury were soon under pressure but able to hold up the first few attempts to cross their try line.

When Quins were given a scrum just five metres out, a quick getaway by Number 8, Leah Carey, resulted in the first of many Harlequin tries. Their second followed just minutes later with Flanker, Katie Smith, running in close-support and then scoring her first senior try for the club.

The first half saw Newbury concede countless penalties, and Quins played the ball quickly to force the home team onto the back-foot time after time. Apart from their kick-offs, Newbury were unable to get into the visitors’ half during the first thirty minutes of the game. Harlequins were to cross the line once more before half-time, with Carey scoring her second try directly under the posts.

Quins seemed to lose their focus just before half-time, allowing Newbury to run at them and return the pressure. This continued into the beginning of the second half, with Harlequins carelessly giving away three penalties in their own twenty-two, but their defence remained strong enough to keep the home team out.

Quins then regained their concentration and fought back into the opposition half. They also began to use their kicking game to put doubt in the minds of the Newbury defence. The Harlequin Centres made the most of this, forcing their way down the pitch and off-loading to Full-Back, Alex Burbidge, who powered through the remaining defenders to score her converted try.

The rest of the second-half was characterized by excellent support running by Quins, which resulted in tries for Kai-Kim Chiang, Jo Everett and Gemma Athorn. It also saw England Under-19, Carey, force her way through the line to complete her hat-trick.

It was a great afternoon for the Quins Ladies who have had a long wait for this victory. It was also great to play a game with excellent refereeing and against a team who, despite having many players out of position, played with a positive attitude throughout. Quins now face Avon at home for their next league game on Sunday.

Man of the Match was awarded to Scrum-Half, Kai-Kim Chiang, for her quick recycling of the ball.

Sequin of the Week is Susie Seymour-Smith for bringing a wealth of styling products and a hairdryer to the game, for post-match preening.


Don’t Forget …

The Cabbage Patch Pub, in association with Harlequin Ladies, presents School Disco Night on Sunday 17th November. What better excuse to dig out the old school tie and join the Ladies team for a top night out in Twickenham?

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