Late Penalty Means Another Defeat for Quins Ladies
By Jo Everett
April 18 2005
Despite their greatly improved performance, it was to be yet another defeat for the Harlequin Ladies, away to Folkestone (Folkestone 8 - Harlequin Ladies 5) on Sunday, writes Jo Everett.
Quins made a very strong start to the game, attacking well from kick-off, and pushing Folkestone back into their own half. Folkestone defended fiercely, but Quins played a patient game and made the most of the many penalties conceded by the home team. It was late in the first half, when scrum-half, Donna Tracey, picked up from the back of the ruck and made an excellent run to cross the line.
The second half opened with Folkestone determined to play a more attacking game and keep Quins in their half. When awarded a scrum inside the Harlequins’ twenty-two, it was their scrum-half who picked up and crossed the line.
Quins regained their focus to ensure Folkestone did not cross the line again, and fought hard to regain possession. Although Quins were repeatedly able to work their way into Folkestone’s half, Folkestone, with the wind behind them, made very good use of their kicking game to put Harlequins onto the back foot.
When Quins conceded a penalty for holding onto the ball on the floor, right in front of the posts, it was an easy decision for Folkestone, in order to secure their 8 – 5 win. Quins rallied for the final few minutes, hoping to make the most of further penalties given away by Folkestone, but time was against them.
Although disapointed by the result, Quins were pleased to have raised their game from last week’s poor performance. They now wait for the final league table results to see where they stand for next season.
With the league season drawing to a close, Sunday was to be the final league game for scrum-half Donna Tracey, as she returns to Australia later this Summer. Donna was awarded Man of the Match for her great performance, not just on Sunday, but throughout her time at Quins.
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 Tuesday and Thursday 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 Thursday 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 Claire Melvin – 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.