Criticised unjustifiably in some quarters for fielding a near full strength team for a match that was essentially a dead rubber, this was a match, as Dean Richards made clear, that Quins regarded as important ahead of the next tranche of Premiership matches against Wasps, Leicester and Bath. “I wanted a lot of our players to try a few things out before they have a week off.” he said, "The competition is a worthwhile one but if you lose the first fixture as we did against the Ospreys then you are virtually out of the competition."

The first half saw Quins virtually dominate possession and territory with most of the play deep in Worcester’s half. Quins’ first try came after ten minutes as Gomarsall fed Turner-Hall who set up a ruck on the Worcester line from which Robshaw drove over for the score.  Malone added the conversion and shortly afterwards a further three points from a penalty to take the score to 0 – 10.

The home side then managed a breakaway try as Abbott was sent clear by Matt Powell and touched down under the posts.  Jones added the conversion.  Injury necessitated Barry replacing Turner-Hall at the end of the first quarter. Then a second successful penalty kick from Malone increased Quins’ lead to 7 – 13.

Quins continued to press the Worcester defence. A chip through by Malone for Stegmann fell just short of its target and a cross-field kick for Tom Williams almost succeeded, but the winger was tackled into touch a metre short of the line.  A further injury saw Phil Davies, himself a late replacement for Tom Guest, carried off with a knee injury and replaced by Neil McMillan

Then as Quins attacked again, a delicate inside pass from Malone found Seb Stegmann cutting through the centre to score Quins second try, which Malone successfully converted.  Worcester had an opportunity to reduce the arrears from a penalty, but Matthew Jones’ kick veered wide leaving the half-time score at 7 – 20. 

Worcester came out for the second half obviously determined to improve on their poor first half.  Their captain, Pat Sanderson, returning from injury for his first match of the season replaced Abbott and made an immediate impression as a break from Sam Tuitoupu and an inside pass allowed Sanderson to score under the posts.  Jones converted.  14 – 20.  That was the last time Worcester were able to penetrate the staunch Quins’ defence.

For much of the second half Worcester exerted great pressure but despite the opportunities they created they lacked real penetration and the Harlequins’ defence was excellent.  The Worcester set piece at both scrum and lineout failed to deliver the chances that should have been taken by the home side.  They lost several lineouts and even lost a scum against the head almost on the Quins’ line.

As the time ran out, another lineout muddle and an interception by Tosh Masson allowed the centre to break away with Mike Brown in support and the full back took the pass and scored in the right corner.  Nick Evans, playing his first game since his injury on the first day of the season, added the conversion from the touchline. The return from injury of the fly half was a welcome sight to all Harlequin supporters.

As to the two injuries sustained, Jordan Turner-Hall's sprained ankle was described by Dean Richards as "being fine" but Phil Davies' knee injury was "more problematic."

Worcester Warriors: C Latham; R Gear, A Grove, S Tuitupou, C Pennell; M Jones, M Powell (rep: R Powell, 59); M Mullan, A Lutui, T Taumoepeau (rep: D Morris, 69), G Rawlinson, G Kitchener (rep: C Gillies, 51), M Cox, J Abbott (rep: P Sanderson, 40), N Talei.

Harlequins: M Brown; T Williams, T Masson, J Turner-Hall (rep: DW Barry, 19) S Stegmann; C Malone (rep: N Evans, 47), A Gomarsall (rep: G Williams, 57); C Jones, G Botha (rep: T Fuga, 57), M Ross (rep: M Lambert, 77), O Kohn, J Evans (rep: G Robson, 47), C Robshaw, W Skinner, P Davies (rep: N McMillan, 37).

Referee: D. Richards

Attendance: 8113

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

Related Articles:

• Quinssa 6 Nations Dinner, Tuesday 10th February

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS

Gloucester Poll