The team met at Roehampton Vale to make the trip up to Thurrock in a mini bus. It was hoped traveling together in the bus would focus the team and not have them worry about directions, petrol costs and late arrivals

They made it to a damp autumnal Thurrock to be greeted by a formidable supporters crowd. The T-Birds are the pride of Thurrock RFC. Not 12 minutes into the game HLFC were two tries down and their only two supporters and three canine back-up were heavily outnumbered on the sideline. It was clear that Thurrock’s forwards were light on their feet with great handling skills. At the break down HLFC forwards struggled to get the ball and even if they took it in then they frequently lost possession as they were pushed off the ball. This meant that HLFC’s backs who, appeared to be more skillful than the Thurrock backs, were unable to run the ball. Without possession it’s hard to score any tries.

Thurrock scored five tries in the first half and four in the second half. They only managed to convert two of their tries, which was of course a small consolation for Harlequins. In the second half Thurrock forwards did appear to tire somewhat and the match was more evenly fought. The possession was about 50-50 but Thurrock had the advantage in territory with about 70-30. Harlequin Ladies have a lot to be proud of after the match; they never once let their heads go down in a very demoralizing situation and they continued to battle to the very last minute. Several of the team prevented more tries from being scored by making try saving tackles; Sarah Butler, Isia Storey and Hannah Clarke all demonstrated how it was done. Harlequins defence and determination prevented the match from turning into a complete whitewash. Lets hope that in the return visit Harlequins to match the support on the sidelines and in turn match the home score of Thurrock this time round.

Final Score: Harlequin Ladies 0 Thurrock Ladies 49

Harlequin Ladies next match is on Sunday 9th November at home against Chesham

Related Links:
League Fixtures 08/09