Date: Sunday 2nd October 2004

Word Count:  299 + 100  (+ 172)

Harlequins Win at Home

(Harlequin Ladies 27 - Romford Ravens 0)

The Harlequin Ladies kept a clean sheet against the Romford newcomers in

Sunday's friendly, writes Jo Everett.

Quins received the kick-off and instantly put Romford under pressure with

some strong runs into Romford's half. Romford contested well at the

breakdowns, forcing Quins to commit more players at the rucks.

Thanks to the wet conditions, there were handling errors by both sides, but

Quins continued to dominate possession. As the quick hands of the backs sent

the ball down the line, full-back, Kate Sinfield carried the ball over to

open the scoring for Quins.

As Quins settled into the game, the support running began to improve and the

ball was recycled more quickly. Their second try came from scrum half, Donna

Tracey's pick and go, and Sinfield followed up with the conversion. Quins

were to score once more in the first half, with centre, Jane Wilson,

crashing the ball through.

In the second half, Romford launched a much stronger attack, forcing Quins

onto the back foot for the first time. The Quins defence held out well,

although the pace of the Romford backs proved to be quite a test, with some

excellent cover tackles needed for Quins to hold onto their clean sheet.

Quins added two more tries to the scoreline: A second from Wilson, and one

from outside centre Amy Wellington, whose secure hands kept the greasy ball

in-hand before touching down over the line.

Whilst pleased to record a win in advance of next Sunday's league fixture

away to Wimbledon, Quins still have a lot to work on. Romford may be a new

team, but with a strong pack and the speed of their backs, they will soon

become a team to be reckoned with in the South-East.

Club News

Last week the Harlequin Ladies said goodbye to another of their talented

youth team graduates, as flanker, Laura Coy, headed off to university.

Laura's skills will be greatly missed and we wish her every success both on

and off the pitch.

We would also like to wish Club Captain, Mel Antao, the best of luck for her

knee reconstruction this week. Mel has been plagued with knee problems since

her original injury in the match that saw Quins promoted to Division 1. We

look forward to seeing a fully-recovered Mel back on the pitch later in the

season.

Want to Play Rugby for Harlequins?

Harlequin Ladies are always on the lookout for new players.  Whether an

old-hand or a complete novice, we look forward to hearing from you.  The

Harlequin Ladies train on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7.30pm to 9pm on

the training pitch behind the 1st XV pitch at The Stoop and matches are

played on Sunday.  For younger players, the U16 and U18 Academy Squads train

on Thursday nights from 6.30pm till 7.30pm at the same venue.

Want to Get More Involved?

We are also on the lookout for new sponsors to continue our season and can

offer your company or brand various sponsorship opportunities from Match to

total Club Sponsor packages.  For more information, please contact Claire

Melvin - Sponsorship & Fundraising Secretary at quinsladies@hotmail.com.

Come and Meet Us

The Ladies have a display board at every home game, so do come up and say

hello.  For further press opportunities or more information about the

Harlequin Ladies, please contact Jo Everett - Press and PR Secretary at

quinsladies@hotmail.com .