Harlequins give neighbours London Scottish quick lesson in finishing

By James Orpin

Harlequins …….33pts

Tries: Musk 26, 43, Hammon 40, Hobson 48, Gjaltema 58

Conversions: Benson 40, 43, 48, 58

L Scottish ………14pts

Tries: Ferdinand 31, Lloyd-Seed 75 Conversions: Wilstead 31, 75

A young Harlequins side secured a bonus point win over local rivals London Scottish to move top of Pool C.

With another win under their belt, Quins centre Brynn Bradley said: “We are aiming to go far in this competition, as ultimately it is another trophy for us to win.”

The 21-year-old also emphasised the importance of the competition for young players, adding: “It’s great for development and always good to play at The Stoop in front of this crowd.”

Match Action

The first half was frustrating for Quins as they struggled to get their attacking game going due to strong defence from Scottish and individual errors resulting in ball away from the breakdown being slower than they would have liked.

Scottish lock Matt Wilkinson being sent to the bin for a high shot on full-back Leigh Halfpenny, who had to leave the field after the incident, was the turning point of the half in the 24th minute.

Quins capitalised on the man advantage as player of the match, hooker Jack Musk finished with some wonderful footwork in the corner as he broke off from a maul.

The visitors came straight back into the game after a period of pressure winger Noah Ferdinand ran a wonderful line off Jonny Law.

Harlequins though ended the half on top once again as skipper for the day George Hammond went over after some strong carries around the ruck from the rest of his forwards.

Second Half

The hosts started the second half as they ended the first. Just a couple minutes in, Quins won a penalty for a deliberate knock on after Musk broke off the maul and attempted to give it to scrum-half Lewis Gjaltema.

Musk scored at the back of a maul from the resulting lineout, which included 12 Quins players.

The bonus point was secured on 48 minutes as Quins started to up the tempo and play their game and a good attacking set was finished by Will Hobson from short range.

A fifth try was added 10 minutes later after a break down the touchline from Junior World Cup winner Sean Kerr and a pass inside to Gjaltema, who finished under the sticks to make the score 33-7.

London Scottish replacement Alec Lloyd-Seed scored an impressive consolation for his side as he glided past Quins defenders and having enough pace to score with five minutes to go.