Wasps kicked off, with players screaming like Banshees; Quins’ backs put on a fine display of their developing talents, with fly half Jayne Goodlife cutting a thrilling line and making first contact with a well-placed hand off. Contact was the area in which the two teams fought the hardest as each pressed the other for an advantage in the game and points on the board.
Ferocious fighting camped just off the try line had Quins Ladies’ supporters with their hearts in the mouths as Wasps fought for every inch of ground. Some decisive play from Quins saw good spoiling in the line out, followed by a brutal tackle from Team Captain Laura Quinn. Bearing down on the Wasps try line, Quins Ladies set up home on the 5m and through some great forward interplay sent Katherine Smith over to score. Unfortunately not converted.
From the re-start, great hands from Nat Smith sent the ball out to Jayne Goodliffe whose kick was retrieved by Wasps’ fullback then running straight into Kay Rees’ bone-crunching tackle. Some great work from Wasps’ number 8 and scrum half gave them the impetus to drive into the heart of Quins Ladies’ half and a cheeky chip and chase from their fly half reminded us all why this is always such an entertaining battle to watch.
Wasps slashed their way towards Quins Ladies’ try line and, but for some spectacular tackles from Claire Brazier-Kobus and new recruit Shannon Mullen, would have made it over to score.
At half time some minor changes to the line up drenched the pitch in new blood and fresh legs. Sarah Butler, stalwart of the centres, made a brilliant run up the middle of the pitch, stopped only when four Wasps’ players took up residence on her back. Despite this courage, Quins Ladies were unable to halt Wasps’ resolute surge up the field to score their first try of the match which was ably converted.
Buoyed by taking the lead, Wasps kept their feet down hard on the accelerator as they punished Quins’ Ladies in their own half. Such pressure however, tends to goad Quins Ladies into a stonking defence, as it did now with some vital tackles by Shannon Mullen and Isia Storey. Turning the ball over, Quins Ladies settled it comfortably into the safe hands of Sarah Butler who put her famous legs to good use and sailed over the try line. Not converted.
The intensity of the moment built as the clock ticked ever closer to full time and a small mistake near the Wasps’ 5m line gifted Quins’ Ladies and Kate Sinaroni with a penalty try, regrettably unconverted.
As the final whistle blew, an elated Quins Ladies celebrated their first and very satisfying league win of the season: 7-15.
Harlequin Ladies’ Squad: Zoe Jeanes (prop), Jo Ballentine (hooker), Katherine Smith (prop), Kate Sinfield (second row), Kyra Howell (second row), Nat Smith (blindside flanker), Claire Brazier-Kobus (open-side flanker), Laura Quinn (number 8 and Team Captain), Amy Smith (scrum half), Jayne Goodliffe (fly half), Shannon Mullen (winger), Kay Rees (centre), Sarah Butler (centre), Melanie Antao (winger), Katy Strudwick (fullback). Subs: Jane Hoyes, Lauren Cooper, Isia Storey, Jo Everett, Alex Leigh, Rebecca Hickey.