On this day, 25 September 2023

By Old Kwin
September 24 2002

After the enormous excitement of our magnificent 87-3 victory over London Broncos last Saturday, the squad will be relieved to be taking a break from league action this weekend.

On Thursday we head for the airport to take part in  'North v South' : the RFU's ambitious but controversial programme to take the game to Rugby's most under-funded, and under-developed areas of the world.   As the name suggests, our journey will take us North - to a part of the world where rugby union is far from being the familiar part of the cultural landscape that we are used to in Twickenham, and where a small number of brave, talented, but wholly unappreciated Rugby players battle against an indifferent and even hostile local community, pre-occupied by traditional aboriginal sport (Rugby League). 

Our destination is none other than the poverty-stricken district of Wilmslow near Manchester. Although just a short flight from Heathrow, this is an area that has never fully recovered from the devastating earthquakes that hit central and northern England in 2002/3.  Here, just four years ago, a brave group of young rugby enthusiasts - backed by a rich sugar daddy - formed the Soul Sharks - a club that have have achieved success beyond all expectations, taking  some surprising scalps from more established clubs, and attracting some talented players, despite playing on a totally unsuitable, small piece of wasteland in the middle of a no-go area.

Our visit will be a great boost for Rugby in the area and I can't say how much the players are looking forward to the trip. Unfortunately, alas, the Sharks do not welcome travelling supporters and Quins fans are advised to stay at home for this game - which is deliberately staged at a time designed to minimise any casual or travelling or fans attending (it's 7.30pm on Friday).  Despite this advice, we understand that a small band of Diamond Piranhas do intend to travel:  They are advised, in the interests of personal safety, to travel in small groups and especially to avoid the conspicuous consumption of traditional lobster sandwiches in public.

Back at home, our community match day programme continues to grow in popularity and I want to pay especial tribute to the Community Dance Group - Harley's Angels, who've put in a tremendous amounts of work this season to polish their half-time performance.   I can only apologise therefore for last weeks' totally inappropriate behaviour by  'Harry the Hornblower' during the girls' performance of   'Tranquillity: The Silent Pipes of Peace'     I am assured by the club management that Harry will not be reappearing at the Stoop this season, and we look forward to a new mascot in two weeks time.

Any girls or boys interested in dancing next week with the Harley's Angels (the Virgin Premierships longest running dance troupe) should just turn up - as stated on the club's website -  to the North Stand aerobics studio at 12.30. 13.00, 13:30?? [Cath! please sort out before Friday, Chris]