By Jo Everett
March 30 2005

Over the Easter weekend, the Harlequin Ladies travelled to the Isle of Man with Sports and Corporate for their seventh annual tour, coming away with the Cain’s Shield, writes Jo Everett. Harlequins’ first game was against eventual tournament winners Carlisle. This close-fought game saw Quins cross the line first, but lose control of the ball before touching it down. Carlisle were then able to break through the Quins defence shortly before half-time. The second half saw Quins keep Carlisle on the back foot, but fail to turn pressure into points leaving them with a final score of 5 – 0 to Carlisle.

For their second game, Quins faced their hosts, Vagabonds. The home team challenged hard at the breakdowns and in the scrums, putting the Quins forwards under pressure. Harlequins worked hard to hold on to possession and their determination paid off when Number 8, Vicky Gallagher touched down from the back of a driving maul. Fly-half, Amy Gibbons, followed up with the conversion to secure the 0 – 7 win for Quins.

The final game of the afternoon saw Harlequins play Slough. Although Slough defended well, Quins played a patient game, drawing in the Slough defence to create space out wide. Tour Captain, Chevonne Rennison, crashed through to score two tries, and winger, Katy Strudwick added a third. Conversions from Gibbons and Kate Sinfield at full-back, gave Quins a final score of 19 – 0.

Further rugby followed on Easter Sunday with the teams playing in a Sevens Tournament. Once again, Carlisle were outright winners with Quins and Vagabonds close behind.

For Quins, the weekend was not only a great success on the social side, but hopefully also a chance to get back into winning ways before playing their final two games of the season. The Harlequin Ladies would like to thank Vagabonds RFC for their great hospitality, and The Sun Inn (Richmond), The St Margaret’s Tavern, Reaction Sales, Budweiser and Institch for their generous sponsorship of the tour.