The evening kicked off with Kirstie Heslop, former Club and 1xt XV Captain who founded Harlequin Ladies saying a few words on how the Ladies Club was started in 1995 with the support of the then Director of Sport Dick Best.

Harlequin Ladies Football Club was established in September 1995 when a couple of Quins fans moved into the area and wanted to set up a Ladies team. The idea soon grew into a team that was to win their first league unbeaten and become a force to be reckoned with in Women’s Rugby.

Founder Members

Since then, the Harlequin Ladies have gone from strength to strength, with 57 past and present players gaining representative honours from County through to England International; establishing a highly successful youth side, forming strong links with the main club and the local community and developing an enviable social calendar.

Current Quins Ladies

Steve Lander was eloquent and amusing as guest speaker, who gave all present a taste of what it was like to be a referee. Quins fans that remember the 2001 Tetley Bitter Cup Final against Newcastle Falcons will be heartbroken to know that the lineout decision he gave in extra time was not his worst ever decision!

Lander admitting he was wrong!

The night was rounded off with a lively and entertaining question and answer session with former NEC Harlequins players, Daren O’Leary and Jason Keyter. Jason found it emotional to be back at The Stoop for the first time since he left 6 years ago and left the audience brimming with tears with one of his answers “Once a Harlequin, always a Harlequin!”

Jason Keyter and Daren O’Leary

Harlequin Ladies would like to thank Jacobs Creek for supplying the wine; City Inn Hotels, NEC Harlequins, FMC, Oddbins and RFTG for donating the raffle prizes.

For more information about the Harlequin Ladies contact us on quinsladies@hotmail.com or through our website www.harlequinladies.co.uk.

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