Quins ride wave of pre-season rugby warm-ups

A WEEK in rugby can be a very long time.

The highs from the previous week turned into lows for Quins Rugby Club this week when both teams were defeated in their latest pre-season warm-ups.

Although it was not the end of the world, as it is preseason, it’s always a case of keeping the momentum going into the next game.

The 2nd squad played against Queensburgh and the match never really reached any great heights in terms of quality. Both teams were rather lacklustre during the midweek outing. Queensburgh were the better team on the night and deserved their victory of five tries to two. For Quins it was very good to give their squad players a run to test the depth of the team. No serious injuries were reported and the club looks forward to this week’s outing at UKZN Howard College on Thursday evening at 6.30pm.

The 1st squad played Jaguars in the opening game of the Flya Tournament held at Northwood Crusaders Rugby Club on Friday night. The match started like a house on fire as Jaguars tried to run the Mighty Quins off their feet during the first 30 minutes. The severe pressure was telling early on, as Jaguars raced to a 10-0 lead within 10 minutes. Quins showed great fight as their scramble defense was put to the test in every facet of the game. To their credit Jaguars were kept at bay for the remainder of the game as the Mighty Quins started getting their way back into the game.

After the break, it was all Quins as they adjusted their approach and continuously threatened their opponents’ goal line. Patience is an important aspect of attack in rugby and this lesson was learnt in a big way on Friday evening. Many opportunities went begging as Quins just couldn’t find a way through the defense of a determined and unwavering Jaguars team. Harlequins eventually found a way through as Barend Schoeman worked his way over for a try which was perfectly converted by Willie Spies.

This set up an interesting last 10 minutes as Quins searched for the winning points. Wave after wave of attacks had Jaguars under pressure as their desperate defense stood firm under the immense pressure on their goal line. Quins thought they were over for the winner, but it was ruled held up by the officials. Another final push saw Quins regain possession but instead of another pick and go, the ball went wide and was lost forward. A bitter pill to swallow after a tough loss, but a wonderful exercise that served its purpose, as it tested the team in every way needed.

The opening league fixture between the two teams on 11 April is certainly going to be a humdinger, if this match is anything to go by.

The narrow loss means that Harlequins now plays Hillcrest this coming Friday in the early game at 6.30pm. There was good Quins representation at the match and the club looks forward to seeing everyone there again this coming Friday.