Quins kicked off and Wimbledon were quick to make the most of their possession with some strong runs and quick recycling to force Quins deep into their own 22. Ten minutes into the game, Wimbledon opened the scoring after scrum half Karen Lea broke off the back of a maul and ran down the blind side. This was successfully converted by Ainsley Dore. Wimbledon continued to dominate the game with Quins failing to find their form. Wimbledon's defence was solid and the visitors were unable to gain any meaningful penetration as they were pinned into their own half. Wimbledon converted all this pressure into points when Quins' disorganisation was highlighted by Lea's second try which came from a quick lineout.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first, with Quins still failing to fulfil their potential. Although the visitors' defence was getting stronger, Wimbledon again crossed the line when number 8, Jen Van der Eem picked up from the base of the scrum, angling her run to score under the posts, with a further two points added by Dore. This proved to be the kick-start required by Harlequins as their standard rose, with fly half Saskia Brazier-Kobus leading the tackle count in defence and creating gaps in attack. Although Quins played much better fifty minutes into the game, this did not stop Wimbledon from showing their sharp handling skills in the backs as outside centre Catherine Fox ran down the touch line from Quins 22 to score a converted try. Pinning the home side into their own half, Quins began to put pressure on Wimbledon and used good attacking plays from lineouts whenever Wimbledon kicked their way out of danger. With two crash ball centres available, Laura Quinn and Laura Coy battered through first tackles and it was a very determined home defence which kept them at bay. Wimbledon's clean sheet was not to last the entire game though as prop Chevonne Rennison stripped the ball in a maul as it collapsed inside the in goal area and was able to get downward pressure with one hand for Quins' first points of the game.

Quins took the game to Wimbledon after this and used the strength of their forwards and some angled runs from their backs to put Wimbledon under a great deal of pressure. Rennison came close to scoring again at the back of one of many fine Quins' rolling mauls but unfortunately was held up over the line. From the resulting scrum, back row Vicky Gallagher powered over the line to add the last points of the game. The final score was 26-10 with Harlequins' man of the match deservedly going to Saskia Brazier-Kobus. Quins will need to regroup and increase their concentration if they are to improve their league position as they look to enter the end of season playoffs.

Harlequin U16 side also played a friendly, but this time against Medway at home. The score was 5-33 to the visitors. The score was not reflective of the game which gave Quins the opportunity to give many of their new players valuable pitch time.

Want to Play Rugby for Harlequins?

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.

Want to Get More Involved?

We are also on the lookout for new sponsors to continue our season and can offer your company or brand various sponsorship opportunities from Match to total Club Sponsor packages. For more information, please contact Kate Sinfield - Sponsorship & Fundraising Secretary at quinsladies@hotmail.com.

Come and Meet Us

The Ladies have a display board at every home game, so do come up and say hello. 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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