Quins seconds convert pressure into points

IT was again another weekend of mixed emotions for Harlequins Rugby Club as both teams were involved in two lacklustre games against Hillcrest.

The second team came from behind to win 6–5 and record their fourth victory of the season, while the first team never got out of the starting blocks all day and suffered their first home defeat of the season, going down 27–9.

Weather conditions were cool with a slight breeze blowing from the south setting up a beautiful afternoon of rugby. Unfortunately neither second team delivered any enterprising rugby as the forward packs set the tone for the game. It became a tussle among the big boys and both backlines rarely saw the ball, nonetheless some games turn out that way and Hillcrest grabbed the initial initiative with a score early on via a try.

If there is one thing this Harlequins team is becoming good at, it is grinding out their games. They soon started putting the pressure on their opposition and getting more dominance. Pressure soon mounted to points as Jeffery Ackerman slotted a neat penalty for the home side. This is how it ended up in the first half with everything to play for in the second.

It was more of the same in the second half and Quins were dominating territory throughout the half. The visitors’ defense stood firm all game as they kept the home side at bay with many desperate defensive efforts. With 10 minutes to go, Quins got another chance and up stepped Jeffery Ackerman again to slot another penalty to put the home side ahead for the first time in the match. They held out for the win and ensured that they keep the pressure on frontrunners Richards Bay. It’s better to win ugly than to lose ugly. Well done to the team.

The first team started the day unbeaten at home this season and were determined to keep that record intact. They were soon under pressure when Hillcrest took the early initiative with two long-range penalties, making use of the slight wind at their backs. They followed up with a line-out drive that extended their lead to 13-0 within the first 20 minutes. Harlequins came back after their customary slow start and Rouche Kleynhans converted two penalties as the Bluff boys were getting themselves back into the game. This is how the half ended with the visitors 13-6 ahead at the oranges.

The Quins boys started the second half better. With the pressure on and chasing the game, Rouche Kleynhans converted another penalty. Then Quins conceded another silly try to extend the Hillcrest lead to 20–9. From here on in, Quins lost their way as they were forced to find ways through a resolute Hillcrest defense. Errors were made and Hillcrest rubbed salt into the home team’s wounds when then they got their third try to put the game beyond the Quins boys at 27-9. The first home defeat of the season, but not all lost. Good teams always find their way back to the top and Quins always find a way back.

JUNIOR RUGBY

The juniors enjoyed another wonderful day of junior rugby at Hillcrest on Sunday.

It really is a joyous sight seeing so many youngsters enjoying themselves on the field. Harlequins hosts this big event on Sunday, 31 May and everyone is welcome to take their youngsters down to training on Monday and Wednesdays evenings from 6pm to 7pm to participate in junior rugby.