Whilst Saturday's Zurich Premiership clash with London Irish is officially an away game for NEC Harlequins, in many respects it should feel like a home fixture for Mark Evans team, as Twickenham is the former home ground of the club.
In 1906, Quins were invited by the Rugby Football Union to use the new national stadium in Twickenham. In those early days only one or two internationals were played there during the season and it wasn't long before the RFU ground became the headquarters of the Harlequin Football Club.
It was in 1963 that Quins acquired the athletics ground over the road from the RFU, which would subsequently become the Stoop Memorial Ground. However, Quins continued to use Twickenham for club matches, with the last of these taking place 14 years ago on 15th September 1990 against Llanelli.
The Quins side that day was expertly led by Peter Winterbottom, who was one of six internationals in the pack; the others being Jason Leonard, Brian Moore, Andy Mullins, Paul Ackford and Micky Skinner. The then England captain Will Carling was in the centre, along with fellow international and former Quins coach Jamie Salmon.
Tries from Ackford, Rob Glenister and Stuart Thresher, who converted two and also kicked three penalties, put Quins into a 25-6 lead at the break, with Welsh international Ieuan Evans scoring for the visitors. A second try from Glenister and a score from Salmon cancelled out another try from Evans and one from Rupert Moon, which gave Quins a comprehensive victory by 35-14.
On the losing Llanelli side that day was a certain Tony Copsey, Quins Managing Director, though he who won't be complaining if Quins come away with a similar result this Saturday!
The Quins team against Llanelli 14 years ago was as follows: Stuart Thresher, Jon Eagle, Jamie Salmon, Will Carling, Mike Wedderburn, Adrian Thompson, Rob Glenister, Jason Leonard, Brian Moore, Andy Mullins, Paul Ackford, Simon France, Micky Skinner, Peter Winterbottom (Capt.), Bruce Miller
With thanks to Nick Cross.
*NB - Tickets for Saturday's London Double Header can be purchased by calling
0870 902 0000 or online by clicking
here.
Don't forget that your ticket entitles you to watch both matches (London Irish Vs NEC Harlequins and Saracens Vs London Wasps) and enjoy the festivities pre and post match.
