By AlanQuin
September 4 2005

In the past two seasons that Quins have participated in the A League the games against Wasps have proved to be difficult, often close and decisive of top position in the table. In 2003/2004, Quins won the home fixture decisively by 64 points to 22 points aided by fine performances from Josh Taumololo, Matt Moore and Scott Bemand and excellent tries from Tom Williams, Mike Brown and Ceri Jones. The away fixture proved to be much closer and finished with the narrowest of Quins’ victories by 41 points to 43 points. Selection problems had proliferated with four players away with the England U-21 squad, Josh Taumololo injured and Andy Dunne needing to be held safe for the first team due to Paul Burke’s injury. Tom Williams had to play at fly-half. A strong Wasps side included Peter Richards and Shane Roiser and in the second half Kenny Logan appeared to try to wrest the game from Quins. This was one of the A team’s best performances. Victory ensured passage to the final which Quins won on a memorable night at Northampton.

In 2004/2005 the home match was played at Aldershot and a very young Quins sine, all under 20 years of age and with 12 Academy players in the side, were comprehensively outmuscled by heavier and more experienced Wasps who included Trevor Leota in the replacements. The loss, by 25 – 41 left Quins needing to win the return fixture with a bonus point to reach the final. Although Quins won the away fixture by 32 points to 29 points, they failed to prevent a very late try which gave Wasps two bonus points and effectively conceded them a place in the final which they subsequently lost to Leicester.

If previous years are anything to judge by, this season’s matches against Wasps are likely to be just as difficult. Harlequins Academy and young squad players are likely to provide the team with, in the backs, Mike Brown, Charlie Amesbury, Tosh Masson, Jordan Turner-Hall, Kiba Richards, Duncan James providing the same sort of excellent handling and running rugby that has been on display against Bristol and Saracens already and was a feature of the A team in previous seasons. There are young forwards too who will add to the mix and the entertainment.

Harlequins’ record since the inception of the league is impressive. Played 22, Won 19, Lost 3, Points for 735, Points against 327. It included an unbroken run of 16 victories.

Wasps, looking to reach the final again, are sure to bring a strong team and former Quins in their ranks who are likely to appear include Jeremy Staunton and Joe Mbu. Quins are the first relegated club to retain their position in the A league and will have to work hard to justify the exception. It should be an exciting evening.