Windsor extend their formidable run as they exact revenge on Harlequins

Windsor RFC managed to record their 10th straight victory in the Counties 1 Tribute Southern North at the weekend, despite suffering two frustrating injuries during their clash with Oxford Harlequins 2nds.

On Saturday, Andy Symons’ men took revenge for their narrow defeat in mid-October by beating the Quins 2617 and condemning them to fourth place in the league.

Speaking to the Express this week, having made a cameo in the clash following a holiday in New Zealand, cocaptain Chris Emmett said: “It was a valuable win, especially considering they were just below us in the league. I was glad to get back in the mix and ultimately help the team to five points.

“I’ll admit it wasn’t a well-rounded performance. We picked up three yellow cards, and we sadly sustained a few injuries to key players too which was not ideal.

“Ben Grant-Adamson dislocated his shoulder so he’s looking at 4-6 weeks out while Gareth Gibson, one of our second rows who has excelled this year, tore a few ligaments in his shoulder and will be sidelined for a similar length of time.

“We’ve been pretty lucky this season in terms of injuries so this is a little bit frustrating. If I’m being honest, I’m not a fan of a 4G pitch which is what we played on. Some of the guys in our team are, some of the backs really like them because it does allow for a fast game. But for me, just the way your feet grip is awkward and you can pick up a few nasty burns and knocks if the pitches are not well-maintained.

“I think Oxford Harlequins’ pitch is one of the better ones in terms of maintenance but if you don’t play on it week in week out, or if you play on it once or twice a season, it can be a bit of a shock to the system.”

Fortunately, Windsor return to a grass pitch this weekend as they welcome Bracknell 2nds to Home Park – the side they defeated 28-7 on October 21.

“We will be looking to get another good five-point win,” said Emmett. “Bracknell 2s are a competitive team, they will post a good challenge, but we are targeting another victory.

“Around two weeks ago, Home Park was a foot underwater, but the second team played there at the weekend and picked up a really good win. It would be great to mention that we had three full teams out last weekend, 1s, 2s, and 3s and they all secured a bonus-point win which was amazing.”