Quins Blow Blues Away With Win Against All Odds

Harlequins produced an upset beating Taroona 20-18 at Rugby Park on Saturday.  The margin flattered Taroona, who lacked control in the breezy conditions.  Quins prospered from spoiling play interspersed with some flashing backline penetration to post a 20-5 lead 12 minutes into the second half.  A late comeback saw Blues goal-kicker Christo Le Grange missing a conversion attempt from the sideline on the final whistle denying Taroona an unjust draw.
 
Taroona posted the first try with a good kick chase but Quins centre Sunia Maafu created one try and scored another to have Quins leading 13-5 at the break turning to face the breeze.
 
Another Maafu break set the position for Harlequins third try following a tap penalty close to the line.  A penalty reduced the lead to 20-8 but Maafu and Sidney Filea drove Quins into Taroona’s defensive quarter.  The Blues escaped and built phases for a try to Nick Elliot with two minutes on the clock and followed with another 60 metre break-out to see fullback Alistair Bourke over in the corner at the death.
 
Amongst the best for Harlequins were Maafu, David Wolleman and Ryan Devine.  James Wicks, James Hume and Elliot proved the Blues most consistent contributors.
 
Glenorchy Stags posted a 39-0 win over University at Eady Street.  Stags coach Shannan Banks rated his team’s performance as consistent, with Zac Gregson, Chris Harwood and Wally Dare prominent.  Despite selections being ravaged by exams, University coach Trent Henderson was happy with the continued improvement in his side’s set plays.  “We missed a couple of tackles and got out-muscled at the breakdown”.  Skipper Duncan Watson, Nigel Chigwida and Greg Piper were best for the Red Men.
 
Watched by former players from as far afield as Sydney, Broome and Roxby Downs Burnie Emus celebrated 50 year of local rugby and stretched their unbeaten run to 8 matches by winning 36-7 over Hobart Lions.  The margin belied an entertaining match which remained scoreless until the 20th minute.  Once again Burnie thrived through turning over opposition possession at crucial times.
 
Burnie overcame this slow start to post four tries to lead 31-0 at half-time.  A try to both sides near the end concluded the scoring.  “Hobart were more intense at the breakdown early on, but I think we had the advantage of fitness” said winning coach Dave Webber, rating Rhys Webber, Oliver Crawford and Dean Apiti as Burnie’s stand-outs.
 
Injuries sustained last week saw Eastern Suburbs forfeit to Devonport.
 
Scores: Harlequins 20 def Taroona 18; Glenorchy 39 def University 0; Burnie 36 def Hobart Lions 7 Devonport def Eastern Suburbs (forfeit); Launceston - Bye