By Mel Antao
January 10 2006

Harlequin Ladies recorded their first win of 2006 against Ipswich Scorpions; a league win made even sweeter by the arduous journey to Suffolk writes Mel Antao. (Ipswich Scorpions 7, Harlequin Ladies 17) Harlequins kicked off and immediately put Ipswich under pressure. Quins maintained their field position in the opposition twenty-two for almost 25 minutes constantly attacking the Ipswich tryline. Second row Helen Cushion and scrum-half Cat Smith were both held up over the line several times. The Ladies kept their heads and their patience was to be rewarded, when fullback Kate Sinfield powered across the tryline to score.

Quins caught the ball from the restart and looked confident in the counter attack. Fly half Amy Gibbons kicked for territory and despite Smith diving on the ball from the chase; Ipswich were quick to clear and recycled the ball out to their backs. Quick offloading in the tackle gave Ipswich the lucky break they needed for their outside centre to score out wide and take them 7-5 into the lead.

Despite Quins having the majority of possession in the first half, Ipswich continued to challenge strongly in the set pieces. Hefty tackling from forwards and backs alike ensured that Scorpions did not break the defensive line.

The second half was tense as Harlequins had to defend their tryline early as Ipswich tried to assert their authority. The Quins defensive line held strong and Scorpions were unable to capitalise on their own advantage. Harlequins then stepped it up a gear, forcing Ipswich to make errors on which to capitalise upon. They worked their way back up the pitch to attack the Ipswich tryline with a combination of tight and expansive play, but the home side continued to defend well. Harlequins might have had a further two scores when Sinfield heartbreakingly knocked on in front of the posts and a judicious kick from Gibbons eluded wing Karen Cardy out wide.

Scorpions strived to exploit their own kicking game, but to no avail as Quins recovered possession in the loose and maintained pressure in attack. Harlequins dug deep and continued to pressure the Ipswich tryline. Scrum half Smith, spotting a weakness behind the pocket of the ruck, picked up and scored. Tensions mounted with the scores still close at 7-10.

Ipswich immediately tried to kick their way out of trouble, but Quins picked up loose ball well and worked on regaining their advantage. The last 10 minutes proved very nerve racking for the travelling Harlequins support. Scorpions tried to dominate play in the Quins twenty-two and Quins hopes were almost shattered at one point as Scorpions came close to scoring. However, it was a question of whose nerve would hold the most. In the end it was to be Harlequins day, as Smith scooted between the posts to score her second try of the match in the dying minutes. Gibbons duly converted as the final whistle blew.

Michelob Ultra MOM: Katherine Smith & Kate Sinfield

A great team performance that bodes well for the Harlequin Ladies as they prepare this week for their next home game against Chesham on Sunday 15 January 2006.

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