From the Quins' kick-off, Teddington sought to play fast attacking rugby but soon discovered that they were out-muscled by Quins in contact. Antlers put up a high ball to gain territory and test the fullback, but Quins' Claire Allan returned this with interest as she danced around the defence to score after four minutes. Quins extended their lead to 17-0 after 10 minutes with 2 tries in quick succession from flanker, Jennie Farmer and centre Leah Carey, both of whom ran though the middle of the Teddington defence, using a sidestep and a handoff.

Quins attacked far more than they defended, however their forwards were not quick enough to breakdowns and some occasional poor rucking and retention of the ball in the tackle saw Teddington gain possession. The Harlequins' scrum was not as solid as on previous occasions, although they were much faster than Teddington, which allowed Quins to stop any advances that Antlers tried to make from set-pieces.

Claire Allan was on the score sheet again after 17 minutes when a brilliantly executed switch and dummy run from the centres created a large hole in the Teddington defensive line, which the Quins fullback ran through at pace. Fly half, Dani Knight, then added to Teddington's misery by stepping back inside her opposite number, hit and spun off another defender before handing off a third for an amazing individual try.

Teddington fought hard to get back into the game, but Quins kept their cool to ensure that their high scoring rate continued. Scrum half, Donna Tracey, brought the score to 36-0 when she looped round her centres as the ball went down the line and scored by running round the outside of the defence. Pressure on Teddington continued when Leah Carey picked the ball up from the back of a ruck near the touchline, ran around the Antlers' winger and then wrong-footed the fullback, picking up a further five points.

After the break, with the score at 43-0, Quins began to take things a little easier and the odd mistake crept into their game. Antlers took full advantage of this and worked their way to just inside the Quins 22m line by keeping the ball with the forwards, using rolling mauls to good effect. Quins positioning in the maul was not up to their usual high standard but Teddington's best attack yet woke them sufficiently to allow the defence to re-organise. Antler's threat was quickly terminated with better rucking and a good clearance kick from the fullback.

This was Teddington's final attack as Quins once again controlled the game. Harlequins' lead was further increased with tries for Donna Tracey and then Dani Knight. With the score now at 53-0, Teddington were beginning to tire in defence, which allowed Claire Allen to complete her hat trick with a fine example of skilful handling. Not to be out-done by the fullback, Dani Knight ended the game with yet another try to give her a hat trick.

After the game, Quins' Captain Leah Carey said, "This was a good solid game which bodes well for the season." Local resident, John Hartley, a new fan of Women's rugby, stated, "I was pleased to see some good skill levels, solid defence and inspired lines of running."

Harlequin Ladies' first home game of the season will be on Sunday 21st September at Twickenham Rugby Club when they take on Plymouth in a league fixture. Before that, they will be in action at Chesham on 14th September when they face the league titleholders.


The 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. 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. The U16's squad trains on Friday nights from 6pm till 7pm at the same venue.

For further press opportunities or more information about the Harlequin Ladies email us at quinsladies@hotmail.com