Harlequins up to new tricks in start of campaign

Matt Jones - Editor 08:14 24/09/2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Impressive debut: Patrick Jenkinson.

    Abu Dhabi Harlequins started their season in fine style with a comprehensive bonus point victory over Dubai Hurricanes.

    Mike McFarlane’s men were clinical as they ran in five tries to begin their assault on silverware in the perfect manner.

    Livewire winger Barry Dwyer added to his burgeoning reputation with two tries while a few new signings caught the eye, especially former Al Ain winger Emosi Ratuvecanaua and flanker Patrick Jenkinson.

    Quins opened the try tally after 20 minutes through Esekaia Dranibota, another acquisition from Amblers, who drove to the line, taking several tacklers with him. Ratuvecanaua then charged through the Canes defence to set up fellow wideman Dwyer for a simple score.

    Quins were awarded a penalty try early in the second half when Jenkinson was unceremoniously hauled out of play by his neck, and they had a bonus point eight minutes later with the try of the game.

    The move was started by the mercurial Ben Bolger in the shadow of his own posts. He charged forward and fed Jenkinson, who advanced into Canes territory before offloading to Conan Osborne, who had the legs to get to the line despite a fantastic effort from James Curran.

    Dwyer got a simple second before Canes, deservedly, got on the board through skipper Dave Knight after great work from Andy Powell.

    “It was a fantastic start, we couldn’t have asked for anything better than a bonus point win,” said veteran Quins prop Chris Jones Griffiths. “There’s still lots to improve on but we’re happy with the win.”

    Knight was able to collect positives in the defeat, saying: “There were signs. We hung in there, but they’re clinical and you have to take your hats off to them. “They’re the team to beat.”

    Recommended