Despite a gutsy performance, Harlequin Ladies suffered a bitter disappointment by losing their away fixture to Chesham by 20-0 last Sunday (9th October), writes Tanya Wilson.
Quins kicked off and defended well against a disciplined Chesham pack. The away side dominated in the scrums, but were unable to capitalise on this due to repeatedly turning over possession at the breakdown. This mistake ultimately led to the first try with the ball going through the hands quickly, allowing Chesham to exploit the overlap and score in the corner.
Just before half-time and the Chesham winger broke through the visitors defence, running half the length of the pitch before being tackled on the Quins try line by winger Rhiannon Needham. Chesham recycled the ball, before breaking through the ensuing ruck to score and to give them a ten-point lead at the break.
The beginning of the second half saw Quins on the back foot once again. A well placed kick from the Chesham fly half resulted in a Quins lineout ten metres from their own line. Chesham stole possession at the set piece and their strong pack drove the resulting maul over the line to claim their third try of the afternoon.
Quins then lifted their game and put-up a strong attack, which saw them firmly camped in the oppositions twenty-two for much of the remainder of the game. Chesham seemed to lose their discipline and gave away a series of penalties. Quins carried the ball over the line on a number of occasions, but the strong Chesham defence prevented them from touching down.
The home side then regrouped and Quins sloppy defence at the base of the ruck allowed their scrum half to break through the middle, running almost the length of the pitch to score.
The dying minutes of the game saw Chesham reassert themselves and firmly fixed in the Quins half. However, a strong final defensive effort from Quins prevented Chesham from scoring a fifth try, thus denying them a bonus point.
Final score, 20-0.