Harlequins U21s were taught a valuable lesson by a well-organised and powerful Bedford 2nd XV pack at Goldington Road on Saturday 25th October. The young Quins forwards were out muscled throughout the game and struggled to maintain any worthwhile possession. The dynamic driving play of the home side posed defensive problems, especially from lineouts, and in set scrums. However, the Quins pack refused to give up and battled on to keep a chance alive of sneaking a victory.
In the backs, scrum half Evans was doing his best to get the attack on the front foot, and the experienced Bell in the midfield looked to gain in confidence as his return from injury gathered pace. Replacements Koloko and Brown added further flair and pace to the equation to ensure that Bedford didn't have it all their own way.
Harlequins spent a good ten-minute spell in the Bedford 22m towards the end of the game and had opportunities to take the lead. The resolute and well organised Bedford defence held out and Quins weren't able to sneak a win. On balance, this was probably the best outcome so that lessons can be learned for the future. With several of the team still officially under 19, and with three making their U21 debuts, there is a lot to be taken away from the game despite the 28-34 final score.
Team:
Rise, Nazer (Woods), Matini (de Jaeger), Boshier, Ayling, Woolnough, Hart, Guest, Evans, Jarvis, Brown.T, Masson, Bell (Brown M), Willoughby, Leask (Koloko).
Tries: Evans, Hart, Wolloughby, Jarvis
Con: Jarvis (4)
