Folkestone kicked off and despite a few impressive phases by Quins early on, it was the visitors who opened the scoring with a try out wide, having camped themselves on the Quins 5m line for a number of minutes. This was the kick-start that Quins clearly needed and the change in tempo of their game was a marked one. Prop Tanya Wilson made an impressive return to rugby following knee reconstruction by scoring the first Quins try less than five minutes later. A driving maul followed a pickup from the base of the scrum and Wilson steered the pack effectively over the line. The subsequent conversion attempt by fly half Amy Gibbons sailed just to the left of the upright.

The upturn in Quins game was short-lived and there followed a period of indecision and sloppy passing from both sides. Folkestone were the first to wake from this lacklustre 15 minutes as their number 8 picked up and went down the blindside, unhampered by the Quins back row. The first half finished 5-10 with an air of expectation of more to come from both sides.

Much like the initial 40 minutes, the second half both entertained and disappointed the spectators. Two ten minutes phases of poor concentration and lapses in communication sealed Quins' fate with two further Folkestone tries, although they were punctuated by another home try, carried over by the powerful prop Chevonne Rennison. Despite some impressive phases from Quins backs, they were unable to unlock the gritty Folkestone defence. On the positive side, Folkestone could not find a way through the middle of the home side's defensive line, however, it was their more intelligent style of play and usage of territory which ultimately won the game for the travelling side. Quins lacked vision and did not capitalise on Folkestone's weaker aspects.

Match Statistics:

Tries: Harlequin Ladies 2, Folkestone 4

Conversions: Harlequin Ladies 0, Folkestone 0

Penalties: Harlequin Ladies 0, Folkestone 0

Michelob Ultra MOM: Amy Gibbons

For more information about the Harlequin Ladies contact us on quinsladies@hotmail.com or through our website www.harlequinladies.co.uk