Using their strong forward pack and benefiting from some creative and idiosyncratic refereeing of the tackle area which allowed their fly half, Jon Ufton, a former Wasp and a 32 year old perpetual student, to kick four penalties and open up a lead. When centre Steffan Thomas forced his way over for a try, a sufficient lead to ensure the victory opened up.

This was not a match between professionals and young undergraduates who play rugby.  The Blues included some serious rugby talent.  They were led by John Blaikie who has played for New Zealand A while the pack also included a Springbok A player, and Australia 7s and U-19 flanker and an Ireland A.  There were two former Quins in the squad in the persons of Jon Dawson and Cameron Dott.  In the backs were two England U-21 players.  Quins were the usual mixture of squad players and Academy youngsters, a trialist or two and some extra players from Esher.

The early exchanges saw both sides attempting to impose pressure upon their opponents but only a series of penalties resulted.  Unforced errors began to affect play as the heavy dew and mist produced a slippery surface and an even more slippery ball.  The steam was now a potent presence as both packs of forwards exerted themselves and it swirled fitfully even when the packs were not scrummaging!

Then after 18 minutes a penalty at a scrum allowed Ufton to open the scoring and put Cambridge into the lead 3 – 0.  Quins were patient in the counter, seeking to move the ball wide and penetrate the good Blues defence.  Then a cross-field  kick found George Harder who held the catch brilliantly but could not reach the try-line.  He was able to retain possession and pass inside. The ball came rapidly left to Luke Sherriff who crossed for the try.  The conversion was missed and Quins led 3  - 5 after twenty-five minutes.

The penalty count was rising against Quins and it was only three minutes before Ufton had another kickable shot at goal to re3gain the lead  at 6 – 5.  Only a  few minutes later a splendid rolling maul left Quins with little alternative but to pull it down.  Ufton duly added to the Blues score and at half-time they led 9 – 5.

The second half saw the welcome return to playing of Andrew Mehrtens, after his long absence through injury, replacing Seb Jewell. George Robson replaced Phil Burgess and Will Maddock replaced Craig McMullen who had taken a knock.  Quins  were clearly determined to get back into the game , but the penalties continued and after eight minutes of the half Ufton increased the lead to 12 – 5  with another excellent kick.  Mehrtens replied similarly a couple of minutes later to reduce the arrears to 12 - 8.

But as the third quarter drew to an end it was the Blues who struck.  Danny Care was caught in possession at the scrum and the ball turned over.  A deep kick into Quins’ territory was followed quickly and the Blues were awarded the scrum and Ufton’s pass to Thomas saw the centre force his way over despite the tacklers clinging to him.  Ufton duly added the conversion to increase the Blues lead to 19 – 8.

Quins threw every into attack but the Cambridge defence was effective and they were very quick to the breakdown.  Eventually after some 27 minutes of the half, Adam Thompstone, who had previously made a fine arcing run but was stopped short of the line, succeeded in scoring in the left corner.  The conversion was missed bringing the score to 19 – 13. Despite continued efforts Quins were unable to add to their score.

HARLEQUINS 2^nd XV:   15. Craig McMullen, 14. George Harder, 13. Tosh Masson, 12. Mel Deane, 11. Adam Thompstone, 10. Seb Jewell, 9. Danny Care, 1. Aston Croall, 2. Jimmy Richards, 3. Lorne Ward, 4. Jim Evans, 5. Simon Miall, 6. Hano Vermaak. 7. Luke Sherriff, 8. Phil Burgess
Replacements: 16. Peter Cook, 17. Ricky Nebbett, 18. Dave Millard, 19. George Robson, 20. Ben Lonergan, 21. Ollie Boggis, 22. Andrew Mehrtens, 23. Will Maddock

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