Belfast Harlequins RFC Notes: PowerNI Quins 3XV 36 v Ballyclare RFC III XV 12

On a freezing cold day at Ballyclare where the referee deemed the first two pitches proposed by Ballyclare as unplayable; for a period before the start of the game it looked as if the match may not take place. However in the end a third pitch was deemed playable much to the Quins team delight.
The Quins team was once again a mixture of new blood and players playing out of position. Neil Simpson played his first match for Quins & lead from the front (as any good prop should). Tackling more than his fair share of Ballyclare players, making great breaks one of which involved a chip & chase (I know!!! A prop kicking the ball!!!). To steal a quote from Matt Jess on the side line “there are more hookers on the pitch playing for Quins than you would normally see around the Albert Clock on a Saturday night!!). Quins had Ben Snowden (hooker) playing in the second row, Thomas Montgomery (Hooker) playing at inside centre, Kyle Adams (Hooker) playing at outside centre & Willy Pauley actually hooking all of whom played extremely well.
This was a great team performance with all 15 players putting their bodies on the line & giving it everything throughout the entire match. Quins scored five try’s and Mark Scott kicked three of the five conversions.
Every player deserves a mention but the most notable points are:-
Mark Scott converting two hookers into quite good centres, controlling the backline and making a number of excellent brakes.
Pete Scott making great breaks for a second row & kicking the ball (yes a second row kicking the ball!!!)
G tackling without any consideration for self-preservation, making a number of great breaks & kicking the ball (yes a Nr 8 kicking the ball!!!!)
PK – Man of the match tackling everything in sight and not kicking the ball!!!
The Worm – scoring two well worked try’s.
Mark McGrath – leading his team extremely well being the second to every breakdown ( after PK) & constantly being a source of inspiration for his team mates
A great game played in great spirit throughout, with several lessons learnt most notably there is a good reason why forwards don’t kick the ball during a rugby match.
Next match is away to Enniskillen on the 8th December when a bus will be laid on & the 3s Christmas night is also that night so clear your diary’s, make yourself available, get to training on Thursdays & if you haven’t already PAY YOUR SUBS!!!!!