Harlequins
OUT OF THE AMLIN CUP: Northampton 18 - 10 Harlequins
By Alanquin
April 27 2014
That there will be no silverware for Harlequins this season is a fair conclusion following the defeat in the Amlin Cup sem-final inflicted by Northampton at Franklin's Gardens by 18-10. The conditions following several hours of torrential rain mitigated against Harlequins as did some dubious decisions of the officials in alloowing two tries ...
But that said Quins were nothing like their best. Already weakened absence of Nick Evans, they lost George Robson [above] to injury in the first half on the half hour and, in the fourth minute, a tackle on Mike Brown while still in the air clattered him onto the concrete surround to the pitch and he had to be withdrawn at half time. Although it was marked by a yellow card for the Northampton winger, Quins were unable to take any points advantage.
It became apparent early that defence and kicking for position was the intention of the Northampton game plan and they executed it with skill and aplomb. Quins had few opportunities to penetrate the defence. A penalty gave Botica a long range attempt at goal in the tenth minute, but the kick fell short. When Meyler had an opportunity he was on target and the early lead fell to Saints after twenty-one minutes.
A cross field kick at the end of a fierce Northampton attack to a winger was adjudged to have been touched down inches before the dead ball line and eventually the try was awarded. The conversion failed but Saints led 8 – 0. Both Botica and Meyler kicked penalties successfully and at half time Saints led 11 – 3.
The first scoring chance of the second half fell to Botica, but once again he failed to score. But two minutes later when the ball after apparently bouncing about from a number of players ran loose and was picked up by Fotuali’I, the Northampton scrum half whose run to the line was unstoppable for what proved to be the winning try duly converted by Meyler to open a substantial lead. There was little doubt among players and spectators that he had knocked on before collecting the ball and the television appeared to support that view. Conor O’Shea later said: “It looked as though he touched it, only a feather, but a knock-on is a knock on, But did Northampton deserve to win? Yes they did. Every little thing didn't go our way tonight, but sport is about small margins, and though we fought hard and never gave up, we didn't bring our best rugby."
Spurred on by the continued decision making against them, Harlequins redoubled their efforts. They launched attacks with ball in hand and exerted great pressure on the Saints’ defence. More than once a knock on or forward pass brought relief to the defenders. Then, after twenty minutes into the second half with Quins camped on the Saints’ line, Easter burrowed over for a try by the posts. Botica converted.
But try as Quins might the defence held firm and Northampton ran out as winners 18 -10.
Northampton Wilson; Elliott, G Pisi, Stephenson (Burrell, 67), North (Collins, 20); Myler, Fotuali'i (Glynn, 77); Waller (Denman, 72), McMillan (Haywood, 67), Ma'afu (Mercey, 52), Manoa (Lawes, 57), Craig, Clark (Wood, 57), Dowson, Dickinson.
Harlequins Brown (Lindsay-Hague, h-t); Walker, Molenaar, Turner-Hall (Grimoldby, 70), Smith; Botica, Care (Dickson, 59); Marler (Lambert, 59), Ward, Sinckler (Doran-Jones, 70), Matthews, Robson (Guest, 33), Wallace (Fa'asavalu, 45), Robshaw, Easter
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I have very bad memories of Nick Beale breaking his leg on the very unforgiving surrounds at Vicarage Rd.
I hope he recovers soon.
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
I'd take issue with your 'there was little doubt amongst players and spectators' assertion about the Kahn knock on / no knock on. obviously you may have had little doubt but frankly, I have no idea as the pictures proved neither one thing or the other, and the TMO appeared to take the same stance. Just because O'Shea doesn't like something doesn't make it a refereeing error.
btw Kahn was an impressive MoM, both in defence and attack. also JTH went off injured and I also hope he is okay too.
Quote:riverlodge
very fair report, from a Quins perspective. hope that both Brown and Robson recover quickly.
I'd take issue with your 'there was little doubt amongst players and spectators' assertion about the Kahn knock on / no knock on. obviously you may have had little doubt but frankly, I have no idea as the pictures proved neither one thing or the other, and the TMO appeared to take the same stance. Just because O'Shea doesn't like something doesn't make it a refereeing error.
btw Kahn was an impressive MoM, both in defence and attack. also JTH went off injured and I also hope he is okay too.
Not sure Elliott grounded the ball looked like we were under with an arm.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:04:30:14:30:00 by rdc.
