It's ironic really, since this would have been the first time this season that the Amateurs would have been able to field three sides. However, the Wanderers played against London Scottish 2nds in the Senior London Merit Table…Harlequins 5 - London Scottish 51.

Quins were anxious to field a couple of new players in Alex Hunter (lock) and Lloyd Chivaz (back row). Both played their part in what was a competitive game played in good spirit.

The Scots were encamped in the Quins 22 right from the start and whilst Quins defended stoically, after 8 minutes they conceded a penalty. This was duly converted. Four minutes after the restart London Scottish scored their first try which went unconverted.

From the restart Quins took control of the game in the forwards and exerted a lot of pressure on the Scots defence in their 22.

Time after time Quins were halted by stiff Scottish defence. On one occasion the Quins backs - having received good ball from solid forward play - failed to cross the gain line.

Despite consistent good support play from the loose forwards who contrived to present recycled ball on five consecutive occasions, the backs still failed to cross the line and spilled the ball on the final pass for the Scots to intercept. Scottish ran away with the give-away try which was converted. At half time the score was London Scottish 15 Quins 0.

Seven minutes into the second half Scottish scored their third try, a good fluid passage of play down the backs to score wide. This was not converted.

Though Quins stuck to the task well, they were clearly lacking in linking passages of play together as a unit. Scottish were definitely getting the upper hand and ran in three more tries of which only one was converted.

Quins again rallied to keep the Scots at bay and new boy Alex Hunter had a good driving run fending off several Scot in his attempt to reach the try line, only to be held up five yards out. Quins conceded a penalty in this attack which alleviated the pressure on the Scots defence. Again Quins came back but the final pass went down again. Scots quickly seized upon the mistake to run in their final try of the afternoon. This too was converted.

Not to throw in the towel, Quins from the restart continued to exert pressure and were finally rewarded with a well worked forward drive from which ex-London Scottish hooker Mark Hillier scored.

All in all Quins played their part in an entertaining game. Sadly the score belies their ability, for it was the oppositions application of better unit skills that won them the day.

1st team squad:
Andy Robinson, Benn Richards, Andrew Lawrence, Brad Westcott, Billy Katiyo, Kwasi Appah, Phillipe Ah-Sun, Matthew Pead, James Williams, Stuart Houghton, Colin Crowther, Ben Wigley, Tom Cooper, Mark Hillier, Malcolm Wall, Ed Sterck, Terry Newman, Russell Wigginton, Alex Hunter, Ben Fretwell, Graeme Blackmore, Patrick Barrow, Daniel Camacho, Brandon van der Westhuizen, Lloyd Chivaz

Don’t just sit there. Get involved !
The Amateurs are looking for an Assistant Coach with a view to full time coaching in 2003/2004 season. Working closely with senior Coach Geoff Ashby, we are looking for someone with enthusiasm and drive, not necessarily the experience. If you would like more information please call Chris Kelly on 07947 374 320 or 020 8545 1198.

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