By Robshew
March 3 2003

If, before the game, especially given the tragic events of the last week or so, someone had offered two points as the result, Quins might well have taken it. Given the record in away league fixtures in the last year or so few could have argued against.

Even more so after three minutes when Pichot's try had been converted and we were already seven points down. It got worse as after 20minutes Quins were trailing by 21 points to 3.

The first line of my notes for this report say "Oh dear" or words to that effect. Here we go again - another thrashing coming up, just like Sale gave us at the Stoop last time out. Possibly worse. Oh dear.

Pic: Simon Jones

It did not turn out like that at all. We scored five tries in the end (all converted) starting with a chip from Paul Burke, fumbled by Bristol's ex Harlequin Jamie Williams behind the try line and pounced on by Dan Luger. Yay!

A couple of soft penalties and a Bristol try just before half time from a catch and drive meant that Quins went in at half time 29 - 10 down.

Very shortly after the restart came Will Greenwood's "RedNose Day" try. A charged down Bristol kick and after some confusion WG found himself holding the ball over the try line looking unsure of exactly how he had come to be in this position. To tell the truth, nobody else seemed to have much of a clue either: best be safe, Will, touch it down anyway! try given! Yay!

Tempers Fly: Simon Jones

Burkey slotted over the conversion and now Bristol led 29 - 17.

Shortly afterwards Billy Fulton, the Quins scrum half tackled David Rees. Excellent, I hear you say. Well no, not really - the ball had not yet arrived. Ten minutes in the bin for that, a pity as otherwise Billy had  very good game.

Two tries by Daryl Gibson, Bristol taking advantage of the extra man, saw the Shoguns lead extended to 41 - 17.

That Harlequins did not fold at this point showed great character. Tony Diprose came on and scored in the corner and Burkey duly converted. Ben Gollings went over shortly afterwards to secure the four try bonus point. Burkey duly converted that as well.

Pichot scored another try, in injury time followed closely by Nathan, leaving Harlequins ten points adrift.

Shortly afterwards Burkey had a stab at getting the bonus point for being within seven points with a drop goal attempt which hit the post. Fortunately, he got another opportunity with the award of a penalty.

Much barracking and noise from the Bristol fans - even the Bristol players on the touchline were having a go at him but Burkey, to his credit was not put off, and over it went.

I sure that there are many positives to come out of this match but Ace and Tani both had a storming game - Ace staying on the pitch for the full ninety minutes! (No, I am not getting confused with football as Spreadbury was the ref. and he always adds a bucketful of time on at the end).

The newcomers did well and the fight back showed spirit.

Tribute to Nick. Simon Jones

The start of the game was full of emotion, being the first after Nick Duncombe's death. The number 9 shirt has been retired for the rest of the season, all the Harlequins players had Nick's name on their backs and a minute of silence was observed before the game. The squad must still be affected by the tragedy.

The future? All is NOT lost as that was a good comeback, having shipped 21 points in the first 19 minutes. They had bags of bottle.

Relegation? Pah!