After a close fought curtain raiser with NEC Harlequins defeated by the Leicester Tigers, Quins pride was restored with the Ladies victory over Premiership side Rosslyn Park, writes Jo Everett.

The game, sponsored by T.J. Pierce Electrical and Fatburn Sport, was an excellent opportunity for the Ladies to play at the Stoop, with some very welcome home support.

Quins received the kick off and Rosslyn Park were quick on the chase, putting the home side under pressure straight away. Quins defended well and Park were unable to break through.

Harlequins secured possession and began to work their way into a better field position. When Park conceded a penalty in their twenty-two, second row Kate Sinfield spotted the overlap and opened the scoring for Quins. Park retaliated with a forceful counter-attack and the strong running of their backs put the Quins defensive line to the test. When Quins conceded a penalty just five-metres out in front of the posts, Park took the three points.

Thanks to the boot of Dani Knight at fly half, Quins were soon forcing the visitors deep into their own half. Harlequins used the catch and drive to great effect with flanker Chevonne Rennison powering over the line to touch the ball down. Quins had now settled into the game and just minutes later Knight made a fantastic break to score beneath the posts, and followed this up with the conversion.

<2>The second half saw Harlequins continue to put Park under pressure and keep them contained in their own half. Rosslyn Park put up an impressive defence and Quins were only able to score once more, again from the dynamic running of Knight.

It was particularly sweet success for the Harlequin Ladies having been defeated by Park on their visit to the Stoop last season. Sitting third in the league, with four games left to play, the Quins Ladies have everything to play for over the next few weeks.

Just watch this space...