Whilst Quins were really up for this, the start of the day was marred by the news of the tragic death of Nick Duncombe. The young talented NEC Harlequin and England scrum half.

A minutes silence in tribute to Nick was observed prior to the start.

The early kick-off saw Quins instantly encamp themselves in Osterley’s 22 for what seemed a lengthy time. With so much pressure and re-cycling of ball, the Quins should have scored at will. Much to Osterley’s credit they rallied to thwart many a close try until eventually after 10 minutes of Quins barrage, Brad Westcott dummied the Osterley defence to score his first try of the day. Westcott failed to convert his own try…but, as you will see, this was not to be a repeat of last week’s kicking pattern and was a fitting farewell game for Brad who sadly leaves us for Scotland this week.

From the restart it was Quins who took the game to Osterley ,with good second phase ball. The ball was fed wide to Brandon van der Westhuizen on the wing for probably the best individual try of the season when, having made the space to run round two players, he chipped over the Osterley defence and collected the ball to score a tremendous try. Westcott duly converted and the early score was 12 - 0 to Quins.

Again, Quins quickly took control from the restart. Skipper Andy Robinson leading from the front continually made holes in the Osterley defence, supported by Billy Katiyo dancing his way round and through putting in the big hits, along with Stu Houghton also applying strong runs and competitively supportive. This pressure resulted in Westhuizen scoring his 2nd try, which was unconverted.

Not long afterwards, Quins lost outside centre Daniel Comacho who had made several big hits. Unfortunately he made one too many and had to withdraw from the game with a shoulder injury. The half time whistle was imminent when inside centre James Williams took a pass from Phillipe Ah- Sun, who side stepped and faked the pass to score under the posts. Once more, it was converted by Westcott.

Half time came with Quins leading 31 - 0.

Unlike past games Quins continued where they left off with excellent forward play by our front row Tom Cooper, Mark Hillier and Andrew Lawrence which ensured controlled ball for Matt Pead to scurry over for a try. Once more, it was converted by Westcott.

The game became a little fractious as handbags came out for a moment after the restart. Nothing too serious, more clutch bags than shopping carriers. Three minutes later Matt Stevens, who had just replaced Stu Houghton who left the field with a blood injury, was yellow carded for a little indiscretion.

It was during the next ten minutes when Quins were down to 14 men, that Benn Richards stamped his foot and flared his nostrils by scoring two tries within three minutes. His second try was from a loose ball which he picked up and ran all of thirty five yards to dive over in big majestic belly flop style. Only the second try was converted by Westcott.

With Matt Stevens returning to the field and the injured Westhuizen leaving the paddock due to a pulled hamstring, a bit of a reshuffle was required resulting in Lucian Roberts coming on at lock and the tenacious Katiyo moving out onto the wing. A blind side run by Stevens, spun out to Katiyo who jinxed his way through to set up the pass to Westcott who scored for the third time during the game, duly converted by himself.

The game was slowly coming to an end for Osterley, and Quins with their tails up were countering attack after attack, when the fortunate Benn Richards pipped comrade Ed Sterck to a loose ball to score his 3rd try of the day. Immediately after the conversion the whistle went with Harlequin Amateurs the clear winners by 62 - 0.

Although not mentioned yet, the man of the match went to Ben Wigley who’s distribution and kicking game was outstanding. He controlled the back line with an air of arrogance and slick handling skills that allowed the Quins to outshine the opposition at every stage of three quarter play, and managing to impress Coach Geoff Ashby and myself along the way.

Quote of the day must go to skipper Andy Robinson at a line out: ” Come on guys, we’re making this average side look….average ! “

1st team squad:
Andrew Lawrence, Mark Hillier, Tom Cooper, Benn Richards, Ed Sterck, Stuart Houghton, Billy Katiyo, Andy Robinson (capt.), Matt Stevens, Matt Pead, Ben Wigley, Phillipe Ah-Sun, Dan Camacho, Brandon van der Westhuizen, Brad Westcott, James Williams, Lucian Roberts, Kwasi Appah, Colin Crowther

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