By Jo Everett
March 24 2004

After two challenging friendlies in recent weeks, the Harlequin Ladies were back on winning form with Sunday’s 64 – 0 defeat of Clifton IIs. The match, kindly sponsored by LondonRemembers.com, began with several handling errors thanks to a very greasy ball and Sunday’s strong winds. Despite this, Quins were quick to dominate possession and force Clifton onto the back-foot.

With the Harlequins forwards consistently securing clean ball, the backs then spun the ball out wide, with winger Rachael Bullingham finishing off the first try. Minutes later, Quins had again forced Clifton back into their own twenty-two. When Clifton conceded a penalty, Quins kicked for touch, then used the catch-and-drive to power towards the try line. Prop, Chevonne Rennison, broke away and touched the ball down.

Quins made very good use of their kicking game, with the boot of Dani Knight and a strong chase by the backs keeping Clifton stuck in their own half. The visitors worked hard in defence holding up several attempted tries, but Harlequins were relentless in their attack. Further tries shortly followed with Dani Knight, Saskia Brazier-Kobus and Rachael Bullingham all crossing the line.

Harlequins kept up the pressure in the second half, repeatedly stealing back possession in set-pieces and in open play. Fly-half, Dani Knight, completed her hat-trick, whilst Brazier-Kobus and Rennison both scored their second trys of the afternoon. Tanya Wilson, Donna Tracey and Jane Wilson also crossed the line thanks to their strong running and a scattered Clifton defence.

The final few minutes saw a determined counter-attack from Clifton begin to test the Quins defence. Harlequins refused to yield, and kept Clifton camped in their own half.

With Harlequins sitting third in the table with a game in-hand, today’s points could prove crucial in their league campaign. Quins have four remaining games to challenge for the South-West 1 title, starting with Weston Supermare away next Sunday.

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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.