With a cry of “Ye Gods!” from my mother (who was perhaps a little miffed at being dragged out into what was sure to be a storm), Blackheath and Quins Ladies arrived at the ground looking a little apprehensive at the prospect of the game.

The rain had died down, but the wind thrashed on as Quins Ladies kicked off and Blackheath fought into their half. The pressure was on but despite giving away a penalty, Blackheath retained their field position and stormed the citadel of Quins’ Ladies try line. Relief flooded over the home crowd as the ball was knocked on over try line, allowing Quins Ladies to settle with scrum and with their kick, find touch. Blackheath had no respite and their line out was stolen as Quins surged up the field with great support from the back line.

Battling onwards both teams parried blows, each striking into the heart of the other’s half. A crunching tackle from Shannon Mullen brought a Blackheath player to her knees, only for Quins Ladies to lose possession to a penalty. Blackheath lined up the posts with the hope of putting some points on the score board but the driving wind swiped the opportunity away.

The advent of half time saw the score line nil – nil with all still to play for. Blackheath restarted but gave away a penalty in the early moments of the second half and handed Quins Ladies the impetus to launch their attack. Jayne Goodliffe, seasoned points scorer for Quins, grasped the ball and propelled herself over the line for the first try of the game, unfortunately not converted.

With some decisive strikes up the pitch, Quins ladies harassed Blackheath, seeking out cracks in their defence. Quins Ladies set up camp in the opposition’s half as Nat Smith went on a reconnaissance sortie, ably supported with a full frontal assault from the forwards, lead by Captain Laura Quinn.

A rear guard action from the centres gifted possession to Kate Sinfield who attempted to batter through Blackheath’s barricades and find space to allow some back line magic but this try was to belong to the forwards. Blackheath kicked to touch and Quins Ladies found themselves within inches of the try line and with possession of the ball. A cheeky catch and drive broke through the defence and sent Captain Quinn over to score. The subsequent conversion torpedoed between the posts like a ballistics missile.

Blackheath faced up and attacked straight back but this battle was not to be theirs. As the whistle brought the game to an end it heralded another victory for the illustrious Quins Ladies.

Forward of the match: Jo Ballentine

Back of the match: Shannon Mullen

Harlequin Ladies’ Squad: Katherine Smith (prop), Jo Ballentine (hooker), Zoe Jeanes (prop), Ros Holder (second row), Kyra Howell (second row), Lauren Cooper (blindside flanker), Nat Smith (open-side flanker), Laura Quinn (number 8 and Team Captain), Amy Smith (scrum half), Jayne Goodliffe (fly half), Mel Antao (winger), Kay Rees (centre), Shannon Mullen (centre), Alex Leigh (winger), Fiona Eccleston (fullback). Subs: Hannah Clarke, Kate Sinfield, Alice Gayner. Claire Brazier-Kobus, Jane Hoyes, Jo Everett, Katy Strudwick.