Bristol Harlequins RFC

Try(s): Max Hickes (sponsored by Station Garage), Louis Meacham (2) (sponsored by The Barber Club SW), Christie Maclaurin (sponsored by Hamilton Lodge Fishguard), Ryan Morgan (sponsored by VX3), Ed Wander (sponsored by Heritage Sheds & Fencing)

Conversion(s): David Priddy (3) (sponsored by Living Colour Tattoo)

Penalty Goal(s): David Priddy (sponsored by Living Colour Tattoo)

Yellow Card(s): Lee Pearn

Quins Secure Crucial Win in Promotion Push

Bristol Harlequins kept their promotion hopes alive with a commanding 39-29 victory over Gordano II at Caswell Road. With top spot now out of reach, the focus is firmly on securing second place, and Saturday’s performance was another step in the right direction. The future looks bright for the club, with two debutants in the matchday squad, another two players progressing from the Colts.

First Half: Quins Dominate Territory and Possession

The visitors got off to a strong start, with David Priddy slotting an early penalty to put Quins ahead. The lead was extended when Max Hickes went over, capitalising on a charge-down by Christie Maclaurin deep in the Gordano 22. However, Gordano responded quickly, running in a try under the posts to bring themselves back into contention. Quins' forward dominance soon paid dividends, with a powerful driving maul leading to Louis Meacham grounding the ball. The pack continued to impose themselves, and a superb 50:22 kick from Lee Pearn set up another try-scoring opportunity. From the resulting platform, Quins worked the ball well, with Pearn making a strong run before offloading to Maclaurin, who crashed over. Priddy added the extras to extend the lead. Despite Quins' control, Gordano kept themselves in the contest, slotting a penalty just before the break to leave the halftime score at 10-20.

Second Half: Bonus Point Secured, but Late Lapses Prove Costly

The second half saw Seb Cronin-Temel make his senior debut, and Quins wasted no time in getting back on the scoreboard. A well-worked team try saw Ryan Morgan finish out wide after quick hands from the backs, securing the all-important bonus point. Louis Meacham then added his second of the match with a powerful solo run up the middle, Priddy converting to extend the lead. However, Gordano refused to go quietly, responding with a try under the posts. A key moment followed as the home side lost their front row, forcing uncontested scrums. Despite this, Quins continued to dominate, with George Beresford quickly shifting the ball from the base of the scrum to Ed Wander, who raced through under the posts. Priddy’s conversion made it 39-17. The final ten minutes were ones to forget for Quins. Gordano hit back with their third try before playmaker Lee Pearn was shown a yellow card, leaving the visitors a player down. Taking advantage of the extra space, Gordano crossed again for a fourth try, securing a bonus point of their own in the dying moments.

Final Thoughts

While the result was a vital five-point win, Quins will be frustrated to have let Gordano back into the game late on. With a visit to Cron Fields and the champions-elect Keynsham II up next, they will need an 80-minute performance to challenge the league leaders and keep their promotion ambitions alive.

Report: Dean Jones