Immediately from the kick off things looked bright for Quins as they stole the ball and gained early metres, however tough Belsize tackling led to an early turnover and a swing to the home side. Within seconds Park went on the attack, kicking upfield and forcing a line-out just 10m out. Belsize drove forward in waves and pulled a number of Quin shirts into the rucks, leaving an easy overlap out wide - just two minutes gone and a 5 nil lead to Belsize.

Harlequins were surprised by the early attack and struggled to compose themselves. The away side dropped passes and failed to make any breaks. Soon Belsize moved back upfield and were awarded a penalty for off-side, taking the three points. Harlequins looked to be back involved as Shaun Phillips took the ball in midfield and went between the Belsize centres. Just inches from the line Phillips was hauled down, stretching over to place the ball, however the referee judged it a double-movement and a defensive penalty. Minutes later Quins were again on the attack, and were awarded penalties for off-side. Flanker David Salomon saw a gap and took a quick penalty, made plenty of distance and then passed on to Jonathan Lowe for a try. 

As half time approached, Quins again were caught napping as a line-out was driven forward - Belsize managed to retain possession and after successive drives managed to cross the line. The conversion made it 15 - 5 at the break.

Second half it was Belsize on the back foot, as Harlequins showed the determination that had got them to the top of the league. Quins made metres with each piece of possession, but were denied scores as simple ball went to floor. After ten minutes of the half, Ben Van Rensburg and Ed Lea drove the Quins forward and provided quick ball for the back-line. James Loizos at fly half made the break and ran in under the posts for a well worked try. The conversion left Quins three points adrift and all to play for.

A period of midfield scrapping soon followed with neither team able to dominate. The referee kept the game under control but was then forced to show a Belsize player a yellow card for killing the ball. Loizos drawing Quins level with 15 minutes to go with the penalty. Quins were unable to break through the 14 man defence and then with minutes to go there was a two player switch, as the Belsize player returned, and Quin James Berry was carded for killing the ball in defence. On the 5m line Belsize chose the scrum, but eventually were penalised themselves allowing Quins to clear the line. Quins had nothing to do but defend, and eventually gave away a penalty near the half-way line - Park attempted to win the game with the final kick, but fell short, allowing Quins to kick to touch and end the game.

The 15-15 draw gave Harlequin Amateurs the point they needed to win Herts Middlesex 2 South, and gain promotion. Quins are now unbeaten in all 11 league games this season and aim to continue through their three remaining league games. 

Tries - Jonathan Lowe, James Loizos
Conv - James Loizos
Pens - James Loizos

Bench - Mark Dingwall, Charlie Allen, Joe Hannaford

The Standard Tandoori Man-of-the-Match - Ben Van Rensburg

An Exciting Opportunity to Sponsor the Iconic Quartered Shirt

Harlequin Amateurs are now seeking sponsors for next season as they begin their assault on the Hertfordshire & Middlesex 1 League.

If you are interested in being associated with Harlequins in the local community, and perhaps even having your name on the iconic quartered shirt, now is your chance.

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