On a balmy autumn afternoon the ladies of Harlequins FC drove the 60 odd miles into the Kent countryside to play the Aylesford Bulls.

During the warm up Quins were fired up and raring to go and it showed early in the game. Aylesford won the toss and kicked off. After an initial advance from Aylesford they shipped the ball wide only to be intercepted by Kay Rees who stepped the remaining defenders and ran the length of the field to dive over the line just wide of the posts. Kay’s effort was complimented by Jayne Goodliffe who converted to put Quins ahead by 7 points.

Aylesford, not to be put off by Quins early lead, kicked the re-start and a fumble in the centre of the pitch led to an Aylesford scrum. Both teams fought hard and Aylesford won a penalty, which very quickly lead to a break down the wing and a try. Aylesford failed to convert it and Quins narrowly held on to their lead.

After the re-start both sides engaged in a period of heavy rucking and trading of penalties which left Quins kicking for safety from within their 22. Quins’ new signing Michelle Roast proved her worth throughout the match with some excellent play from the wing. She cleanly caught a penalty kick from Aylesford and had a storming run down the wing, chipping the ball forward and nearly gathering her own kick.

Another series of rucks and quick ball by Aylesford left Quins on the back foot but outstanding play by Quins prop Zoë Jeanes saw Quins rewarded with turn over ball and the Quins backs had their chance to power through the Aylesford defence. A marginal forward pass lead to Aylesford scrum and a quick pick and go from their number 8 lead to Aylesford scoring their second try down the left wing.

Quins continued their battle to push forward and win territory with some well placed kicks from Amy Gibbons at fly half and some outstanding tackling from Laura Quinn at 8 and Kay Rees in the centres. Aylesford managed to wheel the Quins’ scrum and the advantage turned with Aylesford using a well drilled backs move resulting in another try scored down the left wing. Half time score 19-7.

Quins kicked off to start the second half with a vengeance and an Aylesford knock-on facilitated an early Quins’ advantage. Play continued and a bundle into defence by Quins produced a lineout where possession was securely maintained by the forwards’ aerial win. Quins worked hard driving through a couple of mauls and their good rucking had Quins camped on the Aylesford try line for 10 minutes. However the Aylesford defence held out and Quins were denied their chance to close the gap. Aylesford eventually won the ball and strong running by their centres meant that Michelle Roast had another chance to prove her worth by crossing the pitch to put in a try saving tackle.

Quins were saved from another try opportunity for Aylesford by Jayne Goodliffe who dived on a lose ball over the Quins line resulting in a 22 drop out taken superbly by Amy Gibbons and chased down by Sarah Butler.

The second half was hard-fought for Quins and Aylesford alike; demonstrating a high level of play that is becoming expected of this season’s strong Quins side. Every ruck and maul was a battle of sheer will power. The team’s defensive play was greatly improved in this half and every inch of ground made by Aylesford was the result of the blood and sweat that poured into the baked ground as the sun beat down on each of the teams.

As the temperature soared for the hard-working players of both teams, so tempers flared when a high tackle by an Aylesford player lead to an altercation near the touchline with a Quins Lady. Thankfully, the ever-observant referee spoke with both players and ultimately awarded Quins Ladies the penalty. While we capitalised on this advantage, gaining ground and raising the spirits of those supporters cheering on the sideline, including the latest additions to the Quins Ladies family, Steph, aged 10 and her mother Tansy, we were unable to drive the stalwart Aylesford defence over their try line.

With a change around in the team sheet towards the latter part of this half, seeing the departure from the field of scrum half Jayne Goodliffe; new signing Michelle Roast tried her hand at the half back position. Embodying the flexibility and dexterity of the Ladies this season, Michelle stamped her name on the match later earning her the coveted title of Back of the Match.

Given the beautiful sunshine, a curse on rugby players during matches like this, the maintenance of the defensive line and support shown by Quins highlights the fire exploding from the team since the start of their league campaign. Despite the heroic efforts by forwards and backs alike, a chink in this protective armour lead to a break away try for Aylesford from a winger that managed to elude the grasp of the Quins Ladies, adding a final try to the Aylesford scoreline of 24-7.

While a trying match for the Quins Ladies, and an undeserving final score given the amount of work put in, hopes are high for the season. No rest for the Ladies this coming weekend though, we take on Shelford in a friendly at home in Roehampton, all are welcome to come support the Mighty Mighty Quins Ladies.

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