The Ams started brightly, winning scrums, stealing line-outs and defending solidly, but in attack they failed to clear away the opposition and were continually turned over, and regularly penalised. St Nick's were able to capitalise due to the penalties, however in areas of attack, their backs were stifled by the quick pressure of the Quins defence. The first half took a while to see its first score - a Quins penalty after the referee finally noted Snob's illegal scrummaging. Another two penalties quickly followed, with James Loizos converting both. With just seconds of the first half to go, the referee gave another penalty against the Amateurs for killing the ball. 9-3 at half time and all to play for.
 
In the second half, Quins started to increase the pressure. A number of gaps appeared for the back row to capitalise on, as Snob's tired in the late summer sun. After another Loizos penalty, the gaps finally became too much for St Nick's to fill. Chris Payne made the break from the back of a ruck and off-loaded to Jonathan Lowe for the opening try of the league season.
 
Moments later, confusion from the referee on the half way line allowed Ade Mawson to pick up and sprint unchallenged under the posts. St Nick's didn't give up and challenged hard on the Quins line, however the defence was too strong, and each attack was cleared to safety. The final minutes were noted for Nick Marren's mazy run upfield giving Quins positions to attack from. The Snob's were unable to stay on-side and the resulting penalty was easily converted by Loizos.
 
Harlequin Amateurs started with the result they wanted, but will be working hard to ensure the performance is up to scratch next time out.
 
Next Fixture: 22 September - Old Emanuel, Home (RFU Junior Vase)
 
1          Alexander Ebeid
2          Neil Double
3          James Berry
4          Jonathan Lowe
5          Ian Stone
6          Mark Dingwall
7          David Salomon
8          Wilhelm Wessels
9          Russell Wigginton
10        James Loizos
11        Nicholas Marren
12        Adrian Mawson
13        Adam Wallace
14        Christopher Salter
15        Phillippe Ah-Sun
16        Christopher Payne
17        Graham Coyle
 
Tries: Jonathan Lowe, Ade Mawson
Conversions: Loizos (2)
Penalties: Loizos (5)

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Related Articles:

• September 2007 at Harlequins
• Harlequin Amateurs: About the Ams
• Harlequin Amateurs Fixtures 2007/8

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