Quins power up to stretch perfect start
HARLEQUINS maintained their unbeaten start to the season by clinching their six-successive bonus point win of the season.
They face unbeaten Saracens in two weeks’ time in a top of the table clash.
Harlequins, welcoming back a number of their international contingent, found their groove to cross for the first points of the match.
Having traded territory and possession in the early minutes, fly-half Emily Scott launched a fine touchfinder and Quins set up a trademark driving maul with Scotland No.8 Jade Konkel touching down.
Despite going behind, the hosts were relentless in defence, repelling several Quins visits into their 22.
When Gloucester-Hartpury made a break of their own, it was only an outstanding cover tackle from winger Beth Wilcock which stopped them getting close to the Quins line.
On yet another Quins raid into the 22, some great defence from the hosts won the turnover, with scrumhalf Leanne Riley being sent to the sin bin for preventing fellow scrum-half Natasha Hunt from taking the quick tap-and-go.
After the break, outside centre Lagi Tuima made sure of a quick-start to the second half by intercepting Tatyana Heard’s pass to run in from halfway, Emily Scott adding the extras. Gloucester-Hartpury struck back with a rolling maul finished off by Wales No.8 Shona Powell-Hughes after Quins back row Emily Robinson conceded a penalty for not rolling away.
Few teams in the league can match Quins’ maul, however, and the visitors were able to regain their advantage on 48 minutes when tighthead Shaunagh Brown scored her third try in two matches.
Back row Anna Caplice came on for her first appearance of the season as Quins started to show their class.
Going in search of the bonus point, a penalty found the corner to set up another lineout. The driving maul soon followed with England hooker Amy Cokayne pushing over to secure maximum points and maintain Harlequins’ perfect start.