Maybe the score line slightly flattered Quins, but it came about because of the nine minutes of extra time in the second half.

It was a day to remember for the Harlequins faithful. As we all know, that win completed a double for Quins as they have already wrapped up the Division One Championship and with it promotion back into the Premiership. It was also a fitting finale for Will Greenwood, whose son Archie was the team mascot for the day and he scored a classic try when he chased down a grubber kick from Adrian Jarvis Harlequins trailed three times before they pulled clear with a try from Simon Keogh and then No 8 Nick Easter .Bedford showed the power of their scrum by winning a penalty try with Adam Kettle also touching down after some woeful Quins defence. After the match Greenwood said  “When Harlequins were relegated a year ago we set a target of winning the league for promotion and taking this trophy. It was our aim to stay together — international players included. It was a great way to sign off from Twickenham, which has so many superb memories for me. At least I leave Quins in the position I joined them — in the top flight.”

Last weekend, Coventry managed to hold on to a bonus point from their 40-27 defeat by Bedford at Goldington Road despite leading until the 76^th minute of the match. Bedford finally stole their win with two late converted tries form Shaun Brady and Matt Allen. Whilst Bedford were posting yet another win, Harlequins were presented with the league trophy after their 17-28 away victory over London Welsh at The Stoop. As has been normal for The Stoop this season, Harlequins roared away scoring four tries in the first half, two from Keogh and two from Brown, but surprisingly Harlequins we unable to score any further after he break, allowing London Welsh to make a comeback, just like they did when the two sides met on Boxing Day.

London Welsh may now be ruing their decision to give up their home advantage as only 5,120 turned up to see the match, although the number of ticket sales may well have been higher. I for one had bought a ticket but did not attend. Early ticket sales showed that their 4,500 capacity at the Old Deer Park would be significantly overwhelmed, as demand was expected to exceed supply. The late decision to switch the match, coupled with a fine Easter Holiday weekend, and the prospect of a visit by Leicester on Easter Monday all played a part in the reduced numbers. The biggest factor was probably Exeter’s late home win against Bedford on April 1^st which gave Harlequins the title, two weeks earlier than had been expected and indeed planned. The crowd at the Stoop last weekend was the lowest this season. Had the change of venue been planned months earlier and marketed a lot better than it was, and indeed had Quins not won the title on April 1^st , a much larger holiday crowd would have turned up, than did on the day, even though it was the day the Quins team collected the Trophy and their medals.

It is somewhat difficult to write a preview to what is essentially a “dead match” .With only pride at stake, for Bedford and with Quins determined to ensure they finish the season unbeaten. The outcome of this match will not decide any final placings in Division One. Irrespective of the result, both teams final league position is already are assured as neither team can be overtaken.   Bedford too, have had a very good season being runners-up in both competitions. Bedford have continued to push Quins hard throughout this season in both league and cup competitions, and as such nothing would give them more pleasure than to be  the first team to win at The Stoop this season, so Quins need to put in a far better  performance than last week against London Welsh .

The thread “Where do we go from here?” on the Bedford Blues supporters’ website caught my eye this week. Harlequins’ future is assured, at least for the coming year. After a fond farewell to National Division One next weekend against Plymouth, NEC Harlequins look forward to life back in the Premiership, kicking off the new season at Twickenham in the London Double Header. They will also be returning to Europe in the Parker Pen Trophy, and take part in the Anglo Welsh Powergen Cup. But what about Bedford Blues?

A number of posts on their board suggest they are happy with their situation; summing it up as “2nd in the league, 2nd Cup Final at Twickenham in successive years after a thirty year absence. The post suggested that it was no disgrace loosing to a professional squad - Premiership in all but position. The supporters are happy that most of next years squad have re-signed., and a couple of very debatable facts that they have the “Best Manager in the league, Best supporters in the country, and  Best Ground in National One (a 'real' rugby club)” Another post added  “A great season, 2nd in league, Twickers again. And........! Our Ground is very cosy but not good enough. Great players The Bedford supporters the best there is but deserve better, as do the players. Irvine has been a saviour. I say again where do we go from here? Perhaps a long term plan for the Premiership?”

This is all very well but Bedford appear to be without a long term plan. It makes no commercial sense in aimlessly traveling around ND1 with no ambition. Bedford announced last autumn that they had no Premiership aspirations, yet continued to push hard with the other front runners in the promotion race, eventually finishing as runners up. One wonders why this is, was it spoiling tactics?. Admittedly they were badly hurt when they were relegated back in the 1999/2000 season, and have gradually built themselves up again. As Scotty said “they really would not be out of place against any of the teams in the bottom half of the Guinness Premiership”.  In keeping the majority of their squad they have an excellent chance of finishing top next year. If so they will fail to be promoted as their Goldington Road ground currently fails the Premiership criteria. If this was the case then they would take the payment and use it to commence ground improvements, as there is little chance they would relocate.  The problem is that a number of ND 1 teams have been planning for their future Premiership status, and are much further advanced.  Exeter with their new Stadium opening in September, Coventry with further ground works planned and the possibility of Austin Healey in their squad next season, Cornish Pirates, although their plans appear to have been de railed for the time being. Rotherham continue to have Premiership aspirations and of course Leeds, but this will be dependant on the “fall out” following their relegation. As we’ve seen at Harlequins, the game of Rugby continues to become more and more commercial, and if Bedford are unable/ refuse to invest they may well be left behind over the next few years.

I think we’ve all enjoyed our sojourn in National Division 1. Harlequins players, management and supporters alike have done a great deal to promote that league, attracting large crowds where ever they’ve gone, however the media as a whole still choose to ignore it. Certainly the games in Division One have been far more exciting than any of the Premiership games that I‘ve seen this season. Going forward, Division One needs increased coverage and promotion over the coming years in order for its’ clubs to thrive and survive and build their supporter base. Bedford however, is probably not helped by their proximity to Northampton, so in order to promote Division One rugby maybe Premiership clubs could be encouraged and persuaded to assist, nurture and promote their local ND 1 club.

The Harlequins team will be announced late Friday morning after their final training session of the week. Scotty has already advised that “available for selection will be Tani Fuga, Jim Evans, Will Greenwood and Ugo Monye, although both Andrew Mehrtens (hamstring) and Tom Guest (cut eye) are likely to be on the injured list for the weekend”. It is understood that Simon Miall has been on a strict diet of raw meat since the Powergen Trophy Final to ensure that he is “fighting” fit for this weeks encounter.

News from Bedford suggests that Emyr Lewis and Nic Strauss have both resumed full training and are looking to be available for the Harlequins away fixture. Adam Kettle who picked up an injury in Powergen final has had a scan on a shoulder problem and is unlikely to be in the Squad. `

Regretfully one player who will not be playing is Junior Paramore. Bedford has advised that following a further consultation with his surgeon Junior has been forced into the decision to retire from all rugby due to his neck injury.  The surgeons made it quite clear that any further aggravation of this injury could lead to more permanent damage.   "After 17 odd years of top flight rugby traveling the world, I have no regrets, however my body has now finally told me it's time to give up!" Bedford are currently in discussions to play an exhibition game at Goldington Road early next season in recognition of Juniors great service to the game.

Bedford supporters seem happy with the choice of referee this week, although he has refereed a Harlequins v Natal Sharks game. A Bedford fan posted “We have had recent experience of him and his interpretation of the laws. We know what he is hot on, and what we can get away with I wonder if he'll be using his TJs this time - if not they could get a beer and enjoy the match from the South stand!” sounds ominous!

As a prediction Quins continue to maintain their unbeaten home run; however Bedford will probably leave with a bonus point

Come on you Quins!

NEC Harlequins:  team to be announced late Friday morning

Bedford Blues :    to be announced

Match Officials:
Referee:   Rob Debney
Touch judges: Rowan Kitt, Kevin Stewart

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