The kick off was taken cleanly by theQuins, but they failed to clear their lines and quickly found themselves facinga defensive line out on the 5m line. Thamesians had little to do and werequickly ahead, catching and driving over in the corner.

The first half saw the majority of theplay around the half-way line - neither team seemed able to play expansiverugby on the narrow pitch. The Thamesians forwards were having fun in thescrums winning their own ball with ease, and stealing a number against thehead. In the line-out Quins were also struggling, leading to yet more lostpossession.

Eventually the Ams managed to pushforward, Mike McGowan making a break and the forwards providing clean ball.From the ruck James Loizos got 3 points on the board with a drop goal. Minuteslater Loizos converted a penalty and Quins took the lead. 6-5 at half time.

Second half and little to report. Scrappyball and few chances for either side. Quins were penalised for pulling down amaul and the advantage returned to Thamesians who converted the penalty. Thelead was short-lived as another Loizos penalty gave Quins a 9-8 lead into thefinal minutes.

The final whistle quickly followed andHarlequins took the 2 points with a win by the narrowest of margins.

Forwards: Charlie Allen (Alex Ebeid 55) ,Neil Double, Chris Payne, Jonny Sycamore, Jonathan Lowe (c), Ben Van Rensburg,David Salomon (James Rice 70), Wilhelm Wessels

Backs: Hugh Thomas, James Loizos, NickMarren, Mike McGowan, Ade Mawson, James Hodgson (Chris Salter 60), Phil Ah-Sun

Drop Goal - Loizos

Penalties - Loizos (2)

The Standard Tandoori Man-of-the-Match: JamesLoizos

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