Harlequins crush Wasps under Abu Dhabi floodlights
Harlequins remain in the race for semi finals Anglo Welsh Cup 2011 after a satisfied win of 38-13 over London Wasps in Abu Dhabi.
It was the most anticipated rugby league fixture of this year so far, considering the fact it was the first Anglo Welsh match being played on an international soil. The match was played under perfect environment in the deluxe grounds of Emirates Palace Hotel.
The fixture was supposed to be played at Wasps home ground, but they agreed with Quins to move this fixture from Adams Park. Wasps might be regretting this decision now after being pushed back by the strong forward strategy of Quins under the floodlights of
the luxurious 5000 sitter stadium.
It initiated as a good start for Quins with two tries from Karl Dickson the scrum half and then Ceri Jones, Sam Smith and George Lowe scored alongside to claim the victory for Quins. Rory Clegg added the final conversion and fly half Nick Evans kicked eleven
points individually. For Wasps, Joe Launchbury and Tom Varndell crossed the touchline, but it turned out to be insufficient against their rivals.
Atinkson’s try was prepossessing and it looked as if Abu Dhabi has left a strong positive charm on Wasps, but they were pushed back pretty soon by Harlequins who had their played cards patiently with effectiveness. Although, Harlequins had to make an early
replacement as Mark Walbert had to go off field on a stretcher with an oxygen mask strapped for ventilation. He had a ghastly collision with gigantic Wasps number 8 Billy Vunipola.
John Andress replaces Lambert and this shortly made decision turned out to be positive for Harlequins. Quins broke the early lead of Wasps two minutes later, when Dickinson pierced through the gaps of Wasps defense and stormed down to touchline. Score went
to 7-3 after Evan’s conversion.
Wasps earned a penalty in 14th minute and Atkinson took it. Wasps were denied of points after the video referee confirmed that Atkinson has missed by whiskers. Later on Quins starched their lead when Lowe forced himself over the touchline and Evans converted
again to give Quins a decent lead of 14-3.
To Wasps’ relief Charlie Beech ran down towards touchline and was stopped, but Vandrell accepted the pass decently and scored for Wasps.
Quins earned their first penalty in 28th minute and score went 17-8 with the courtesy of Evans’ boot. Varndell received a very awkward pass that he collected cleverly and tricked Quins’ defense with some skilled footwork and ran over to score a try for Wasps,
but Atkinson failed to convert and their score remained at 14-8. Sooner Evans scored a conversion and the score went up to 24-8.
Wasps brought in Charlie Davies for Nic Berry at half time, but it didn’t turn out to be a fruitful move as Atkinson scored after his foul and Dickinson touched down again to earn a bonus point. Evans was successful to score a conversion for a fourth time.
Wasps made further three more substitution following Quins, who replaced Ollie Kohn by Lewis Stevenson.
Second try by Wasps was scored by Joe Launchbury, who had just substituted Marty Veale and rolled over to touch down. The score went up to 31-13.
Quins scored their final try in 78th minute, when Tom Williams’ high kick was collected by Smith, who sprinted towards the touchline and scored the fifth try. Clegg converted later to conclude the scores at 38-13.
The victory has stretched Halrequins winning streak to eight including all tournaments, although many frontline names were absent due to international duties. Joe Marler, Ugo Monye, Mike Brown, Chris Robshaw and George Robson were on Saxon’s duty, while
Nick Easter and Danny Care were with England international squad for Six Nations training. It was majorly benchers that played as starters and impressed everyone; O’Shea was relieved and delighted with the outcome and the performance.
He said, “On a day like today, when the conditions are like they are, you can get a few tries, which we did.” Adding to his delighted comments, he said, “We are really happy with the performance. 7 guys away between England and England Saxons, another fourteen
injured, I think the guys did really well tonight.”
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