Weekend of mixed fortunes for Quins rugby
A late escape but a well-deserved 19-15 win at the end of the day.
IT was a weekend of mixed fortunes for Harlequins Rugby Club as a determined Harlequins 1st team went down to log leaders Jaguars.
The 2nd team came back from 12-0 down to record another victory and the junior rugby hosting day was a huge success on Sunday.
The 2nd team made a slow start to their game and quickly found themselves 12-0 down within 20 minutes. The traditional Quins fighting spirit came to the fore and by halftime the match was level and theirs for the taking. Tries by Danie Le Roux and Wayne Alberts with a conversion by Jeffery Ackerman ensured an intriguing second half.
The second half was another tight affair as both teams tried to wrestle the match from one another. It was Jaguars who scored the first points of the half with a penalty three minutes from time. Again, the Quins boys found a way through as replacement centre Riaan Nel burst through the defensive line and new boy Phillip Gouws rounded off with a try under the poles. Jeffery Ackerman converted again. A late escape but a well-deserved 19-15 win at the end of the day.
The 1st team were determined to get their season back on track and put up a much improved display as they had the log leaders under immense pressure throughout the half. Two slipped tackles and a try for Quins by David Woolls had the match on a knife’s edge after 35 minutes as Jaguars led 12-5. Then five minutes of lost concentration cost the home side dearly as Jaguars scored two tries in five minutes to stretch their lead to 24-5 at the break.
The second half proved another tough battle as two committed sides gave it their all. The Quins boys showed immense heart and put up a much better performance this week to put the visitors under immense pressure at times, but Jaguars showed why they were log leaders as they defended like Trojans. Two more tries were conceded in quick succession, but it was Quins that provided the final entertainment on the day when Carl Donovan barged over for a well deserved try – much to the delight of the home fans. A valiant effort but a loss of 34-10.
The Harlequins junior section hosted another wonderful day with the junior rugby tournament. Bok du Toit and his team can be very proud of the event and it was wonderful to see so many youngsters strutting their stuff on the field. Many clubs like Quins, Hillcrest, Durban Collegians, Crusaders and Toti are doing a wonderful job in keeping junior rugby alive and well at grassroots level.
Next week it’s high riding Westville at home and the Mighty Quins will be looking for further improvement and another win under the belt.
