1. Skip to Content
  2. Skip to Site Navigation
  3. Skip to Page Navigation
  4. Skip to Useful Links

First pre-season win for Quins Youngsters

17 August 2011

Harlequins bagged their first win of their pre-season schedule last night with a 24-21 win against local rivals Esher.

A young line-up faced an experienced Esher side but the game proved to be more balanced than the match-up would suggest. Quins dominated the first quarter, leading 14-0, only for Esher to emulate that in the second to take it level at 14-14 going into the break. Two early tries in the second half were enough to give Quins the edge at the final whistle, with Esher only managing one converted try to challenge the lead.

This followed their first friendly last week away to a full strength Castres Olympique side, in which Quins fell to a 42-21 defeat despite a confident first half performance and a 21-14 lead at half time. Changes for the second half brought a number of young players into the mix, with the experience of the French side prevailing and taking the win. Their next outing comes this Friday evening (19th) at The Stoop with their final home friendly against Nottingham.

Full news reports can be read on the Harlequins Rugby Union website.

In other news Quins and England scrum half Danny Care has been ruled out of contention of the forthcoming Rugby World Cup, after sustaining an injury to his left big toe joint in England’s warm up against Wales last Saturday. Speaking on Twitter Care (@dannycare) said he is “absolutely devastated” but thankful for the kind messages of support from fans. He will undergo surgery tomorrow and is expected to return to action in a minimum of 6 weeks. England Team Manager Martin Johnson responded saying: "We are all hugely disappointed for Danny who has worked extremely hard and has been an important part of the squad throughout our Rugby World Cup preparations. He featured in both warm-up fixtures and was on course for selection so this injury is really disappointing for him personally and for us as a squad. Nobody wants to see a player ruled out at this stage through injury." 

Surrey Sports Park wish Danny a speedy recovery.