A rugby experience with a difference for a group of friends and I for this one, we’d booked the Tulip club for the Xmas game but that got moved to this big game! More of that later.
This has become a big rivalry in the women’s game and the crowd was a good one, hopefully people will come back for more when they realise how far the game’s progressed.
Quins started well, winning their own kick off while Saracens stood and watched. They weren’t really at the races until the 10th minute when Poppy Cleall came storming from the base of a scrum, Saracens got into the Quins 22 before the ball was knocked on.
Quins kicked quickly from the resulting scrum, Jess Breach allowed the ball to bounce, and Saracens were then penalised. Quins scored after a few phases of play with Shaunagh Brown going over the line. The conversion was good.
Saracens threw a line out too long after a Quins clearing kick. The ball was taken by Quins, won back by Saracens who were penalised in the Quins half.
Saracens were later penalised twice in their own 22, game giving Quins a great attacking platform, Saracens defended their 2nd attempt with top drawer defence, eventually Quins knocked the ball on after a clearing kick. Cleall went towards the touch line and was forced out.
After a small outbreak of kick tennis, Leanne Infante kicked to touch. Quins were awarded a penalty for contact in the air.
Saracens had another line out after Ellie Kildunne knocked the ball into touch, the ball was thrown too long and to Quins hands again. Saracens were eventually awarded a penalty in the middle of the pitch as Quins attacked. Another long throw that was knocked on by Quins this time. Play progressed, well for Quins but the referee called things back for the scrum.
Cleall came out the right side of the scrum this time, but Saracens were penalised in the Quins 22. That saw Saracens marched 10 for back chat (that seems to be a Saracens problem at times).
That came to nothing for Quins and they were penalised, the Saracens throw missed its intended mark, but went to Saracens hands this time. Ref link was working for this game and Sarah Cox could be heard talking to Saracens Infante about shouting at her.
Quins kicked to touch and Saracens had a line out that worked first time, the maul rolled but was held up. The TMO agreed held up but checked the entry of the Quins 6, Abbie Fleming, It was deemed a clear side entry, a yellow card and penalty try for Saracens!
Play was stopped as Saracens attack went towards a Quins player down on one knee, Saracens came away with the ball. Paige Farries came storming out of the melee to go close, the ball was lost, then lost by Quins. McKinley Hunt went over for Saracens as half time approached. The kick, taken from a long way back was missed.
Saracens went in with a 12 to 7 lead. I imagine there will still have been a ‘lively conversation’ at half-time, they hadn’t had a good half!
The second half started with a Quins knock on, Saracens win a penalty in the scrum as Cleall kept the ball in. Saracens set up the rolling maul and the breakaway ‘ran’ to the line, with Hunt scoring her second, the kick, a far more difficult one, was good!
Zoe Harrison came on with 45 minutes on the clock, to the delight of the crowd.
Hunt scored her hat-trick try after the backs had got the ball deep into the Quins half, that was the bonus point try for Saracens.
Quins were awarded a penalty for a deliberate knock on by Lottie Clapp. Poppy Cleall had gone down and was replaced by Emma Taylor, hopefully she’s ok!
Quins scored a good try, playing with a penalty, Freya Aucken taking a great cross kick, to touch down. The kick missed, the score was Saracens 26 Quins 12.
An unusual mistake by Harrison saw her kick go off in the goal area, sending play right the way back into the Saracens half. The ball didn’t move in the scrum and Marlie Packer came away with the ball as Saracens spun the scrum.
Attendance was announced at 3,071, which is brilliant for a Women’s game at Stonex.
Quins benefited from another poor Saracens line out. Another one over the top it went straight to Quins hands and Nicole Wythe scored a gift of a try, the kick was good and that brought Quins within 7 points with 8 minutes remaining.
Saracens were penalised for offside, it looked like Sarah Cox was going for her pocket, but happily not. Infante again questioned the decision, she is not the captain!
A penalty in the maul gave Quins a second bite. One they scored from to give them their bonus point try, Amy Layzell peeled off to score. The kick went to the left of the posts. But that took the score to Saracens 26 Quins 24.
Breaths were held for the remaining minutes, but a successful penalty kick for Saracens in front of the posts took the final score to Saracens 29 Harlequins 24. A really fine game of rugby, those who were here for the first time will hopefully return!
An addendum, the Tulip Club was a pleasure, lovely, friendly staff and the food was delicious!
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBdF9E A few photos from the game
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