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Harlequins Hopes Alive Alive-O!


By Alanquin
December 9 2014

With a complete reversal and improvement in performance, particularly in the forward pack at the scrum, from the previous week’s match at Bath, Harlequins effected a notable victory over Leinster in the European Champions Cup by 24 – 18.

The first half was a series of midfield attack and defence battles with both sides being efficient at denying the other any penetration and little opportunity to score except from penalty kicks that kept the scoreboard moving at regular intervals. Leinster started at pace and Quins were immediately forced to aggressive defence in search of the ball. The first penalty followed in the third minute and Madigan opened the scoring for the visitors. 

Another three minutes and another penalty allowed Nick Evans to level the scores. Unfortunately he was forced to leave the field a few minutes later with a groin injury, to be replaced by Tim Swiel. Another penalty gave Quins the lead at 6 – 3 only for Madigan to level from another offence. Further penalties for either side brought the interval with the scores now level at 9 – 9. 

The opening score of the second half went to the visitors and Madigan duly kicked them into the lead for the first time. Harlequins’ response was to attack. A penalty was kicked to an excellent attacking lineout only for Quins to lose the ball. However, they turned over possession at the ensuing ruck and resumed their assault on the Irish line. After a series of thrusts from the forwards were repelled until finally Easter stretched out to score a try. Swiel added the conversion and Quins led 16 – 12. 

Leinster increased their attacking efforts, but Quins’ defence held firm. Then suddenly Tikoirotuma intercepted a pass intended for the Leinster winger and the Fijian’s speed over the eighty metres to the line ensured the try, increasing the lead though the conversion attempt drifted wide. Two successful Leinster penalties reduced Quins’ lead to 21 – 18. A drop goal from Danny Care and the failure of the visitors to break through Quins’ committed defence ensured the win.

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Harlequins Hopes Alive Alive-O!
Discussion started by ComeAllWithin.co.uk , 09/12/2014 21:07
ComeAllWithin.co.uk
09/12/2014 21:07
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:12:09:21:11:38 by DOK.

TitusQuin
09/12/2014 22:32
Pretty brief.

For one of the biggest wins in Quins history i would expect more energy and detail to it maybe?!

Brown Bottle
09/12/2014 22:41
Quote:
TitusQuin
Pretty brief.
For one of the biggest wins in Quins history i would expect more energy and detail to it maybe?!

One of the biggest wins in Quins' history? Really? I'm not so sure. Was a bit brief though. smiling smiley

BB



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:12:09:22:44:18 by Brown Bottle.

DOK.
09/12/2014 22:47
From the "Roll Up! ..." sticky

Quote:
DOK
OK - the list is full, but don't let that stop you. If you have an urge to write about the day from a fan's point of view, then do so and I'll publish it .
It doesn't have to be a match report, tell me about the highs and heartaches of being a long distance fan. Compare Robshaw to Carling as captain and player. Was Chris Sheasby really the most dangerously attractive player for women we've ever had?

Basically string some words together, I'll publish them! smiling smiley

And to be fair Alanquin has been having technical problems, which is why we missed his Bath report.

RodneyRegis
09/12/2014 22:59
Anyone heard these rumours that Joe and CR are both out next week? 4 weeks for CR? sad smiley

ChequeredJersey2
09/12/2014 23:12
Quote:
RodneyRegis
Anyone heard these rumours that Joe and CR are both out next week? 4 weeks for CR? sad smiley

Please let that not be true sad smiley

Boonie
10/12/2014 14:07
Thanks for the report, AlanQuin - as I couldn't be there, I like to read these! smiling smiley

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