Hutchins beats Harlequins in last-gasp thriller

THERE was some superstar rugby power following the local league over the weekend with 81-Test cap former Wallaby Matt Burke here for the annual rugby lunch.

The match of the round between Harlequins and the Hutchins Hobart Lions would not have disappointed him as they played out a thriller.

The Lions welcomed back veterans Aleem Khalfan and David Craig, both having large influences on the game.

But it was Harlequins that started the stronger as they used their kick-and-chase game to good effect.

The Lions lineout was not functioning, which only made the Quins’ playmakers use the toe more and more.

Eventually, the territory turned into points for Quins and they took the lead heading into the break. The Lions improve in the second half as they began to pick and go their way in the Quins’ half .

Hutchins Hobart was down by two when it began its final march forward in the 80th minute.

The referee blew his whistle and a penalty was given right in front of the posts 20 metres out.

Young Lions halfback Ian Clack calmly stepped up to slot the winner, 20-19.

Best for the Lions were Khalfan and Clack and, for Harlequins, Jeff Altman and David Woulmann.

On the other side of Rugby Park, Glenorchy Stags took on a seconds Taroona Penguins.

The Penguins used the match to give some senior players some extra minutes and a quality encounter ensued.

Taroona’s James Holman was an early casualty of this tactic that saw the star forward leave the game very early under an injury cloud.

It was sign of the solid defensive efforts of both teams with Taroona ahead 7-3 at halftime. The game opened slightly in the second stanza, each point hard-earned.

The Stags were 20-12 at one point when fullback Leroy Hart crossed for a converted try.

However, Charlie Holmes and Nick Plumb landed telling blows to win 24-20.