The friendly game opened with the Harlequin Ladies dominating possession. When Quins were awarded a scrum well within their twenty-two, fly half Alex Burbidge popped the ball to Leonie Webster (at Inside Centre) who ran through and opened the scoring for Quins. Burbidge followed up with the conversion.

Quins then seemed to lose their focus, allowing Oxford to run at them. Oxford made the most of this running, around the outside to score. As half time approached, Harlequins tightened up their game and worked their way back into Oxford's half. When Quins won a lineout just meters from the try line, thy set up the driving maul to take them up to the line. From here, Sam Marshall, debuting at scrum half took the ball and dived across the line. Just before half time, Burbidge intercepted a mistimed Oxford pass, and secured a half time lead (7-17).

The second half opened with a very unsettled Harlequins side. Within minutes, Oxford had made the most of Harlequins many errors to score two unconverted tries and steal the lead. It was late in the second half when Quins finally settled back into the game. Burbidge scored again after powering through a scattered Oxford defence.

Quins maintained their pressure and were awarded a penalty right on the 5 metre line in the final minute of the game. It was outside centre Chevonne Rennison, who charged through to extend Harlequins' lead.

It may have been a scrappy game, notable for countless errors rather than any remarkable phases of play, but Harlequins' ability to come back from behind with novices and players out of position will stand them in good stead in their ongoing league campaign.

Next Sunday will be a welcome break, with the small distraction of the World Cup Final on Saturday with the Ladies showing their support for the boys down under. Then in a fortnight, Quins face BG Combination at home.

Squad: Young, Anderton, Greaves, Celia, Chappell, Quinn, Goldhawk, Gallagher, Marshall, Burbidge, Hill, Webster, Rennison, Antao (injured 30 Wilson), Everett.

Harlequin Ladies are always on the lookout for new players. Whether an old-hand or a complete novice, we look forward to hearing from you. The Harlequin Ladies train on Wednesday and Friday nights from 7.30pm to 9pm on the training pitch behind the 1st XV pitch at The Stoop and matches are played on Sunday. For younger players, the U16 and U18 Academy Squads train on Friday nights from 6.30pm till 7.30pm at the same venue.


For further press opportunities or more information about the Harlequin Ladies, please contact Jo Everett – Press and PR Secretary at quinsladies@hotmail.com

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