Bristol Harlequins RFC

Try(s): Lee Pearn (sponsored by Bristol Scrap Metal), Dylan Pearce (sponsored by Poplar Access Scaffolding) Christie McLaurin (sponsored by Hamilton Lodge Fishguard) Ryan Morgan (2) (sponsored by VX3)

Conversion(s): David Priddy (4) (sponsored by Living Colour Tattoo)

Yellow Card(s): Gary Britt

It was a wet and windy night at Valhalla, but the crowd was treated to a thrilling cup clash to warm their spirits. In testing conditions, it was Bristol Harlequins who braved the elements and delivered a commanding performance to secure their place in the Semi-Finals of the Bristol Combination Bowl.

Quins wasted no time, asserting their dominance early as Lee Pearn crashed over the try line just six minutes in, setting the tone for the evening. Moments later, the pack showcased their strength, driving Bishopston back with a powerful scrum. Quick hands through the backs put Dylan Pearce over for the second try of the match, with the ever-reliable David Priddy adding the extras for both. However, the early successes came at a cost, as hooker Dan Pearce was forced off with an injury, replaced by David Lloyd. Bishopston responded with a penalty kick in front of the posts, putting their first points on the board at the 20-minute mark. Quins, undeterred, struck again through a well-executed line-out move. The forwards provided the platform, and Christie McLaurin finished the job with a determined run out wide. Priddy’s conversion attempt from a tight angle fell short. Bishopston clawed their way back with a try of their own in the latter stages of the half, narrowing the gap to 19-8. The final moments of the first half were tense as Quins were reduced to 14 men, with Gary Britt receiving a team yellow card for repeated infringements. Despite this setback, the home side held firm heading into the break.

As conditions worsened in the second half, the match turned into a gritty, low-scoring battle. Quins extended their lead nine minutes into the half when Ryan Morgan tore through the Bishopston defence with a ferocious run, touching down under the posts. Priddy added the conversion, giving Quins a comfortable cushion. Morgan wasn’t finished. With just seven minutes left on the clock, he broke through once again, delivering Quins’ fifth and final try of the night and securing their place in the next round.

In tough conditions, it was a gutsy display from Harlequins, who now look ahead to a Semi-Final showdown against Avonmouth Old Boys. The date for this fixture will be announced in due course. Before then, Quins will look to close out 2024 on a high as they host Chew Valley III this Saturday at Valhalla.

Report: Dean Jones