Mike McFarlane’s men were clinical and looked slick as they sauntered to victory over their Sri Lankan visitors at Zayed Sports City last night in their second game of the Asia Rugby Western Clubs Champions League.
The title will now go down to Friday’s match at The Sevens, where Exiles will have to better Quins’ score to add the crown to their UAE Premiership and West Asia Championship haul of last season.
Kandy drew first blood when outside half Arshad Tamaldeen beautifully bisected the uprights after Quins had infringed in the 10th minute.
The hosts responded by scoring 49 points without reply, playing some free-flowing rugby despite the uncomfortably sticky conditions.
Livewire winger Barry Dwyer responded for Quins five minutes after going behind, brilliantly stepping his marker to go in under the posts for the game’s first try.
Battering ram Willie Umu was at his rampaging best for Quins
Just after half an hour, new signing Misinale Taukolo prosperered when he picked up a loose ball from a ruck to stroll over from close range with no Kandy defender in sight.
Dwyer had his second just before the break, again showing quick feet and elusive speed to scoot over out wide before touching down under the posts, Luke Stevenson adding his third conversion as Quins led 21-3 at the break.
Any hope of a Kandy comeback was extinguished in five second half minutes as Quins doubled their try count through three new faces.
Explosive centre Willie Umu set up former Al Ain Amblers winger Emosi Vecanuau before two more tries from flankers Patrick Jenkinson and Hayden Thompson Green put the hosts out of sight.
The impressive Jenkinson might have had a second but was called back for a forward pass, before a penalty try on the hour put Quins on the cusp of a half century of points.
Kandy, who had served notice of their intent throughout, deservedly got on the board after good defence and poor handling had threatened to leave them without a significant score.
Hooker Damith Dissanayaka finished off a good move before replacement Danushka Ranjajan showed searing pace to go under for a second minutes later, Tamaldeen converting both to give the scoreline a touch of respect at 49-17.
Quins had the last word with Number 8 Conor Canny finishing off a rolling maul in the last minute.
A job well done for Quins, who will now wait to see if it is enough with Kandy travelling to Dubai in two days’ time.
