Harlequins vs Trailfinders Women

Match Report

Trailfinders Women put in a fighting display away at the Twickenham Stoop for the inaugural match in the club’s history, coming up just short in an entertaining 31-21 Allianz Cup loss.

The game ebbed and flowed in both directions, with Trailfinders finding their feet in the 10th minute with a fast counter attack by Courtney Pursglove, but Quins managed to keep the visiting side at bay after a lengthy period of sustained attack.

It was Amy Layzell that broke the deadlock however in the 22nd minute, breaching the Trailfinders defence after some incisive passing down the left.

The Trailfinders responded well and continued to trouble Quins, but a charge down on the 5m line enabled Quins winger Katie Shillaker to touch down for their second try and extend Quins’ lead to 14-0.

Trailfinders finally got their reward at the end of the first half, with Ellie Boatman making an initial break and then Pursglove turning on the after burners to cross the try line for the first time in Trailfinders Women’s history. A moment followed by raucous celebrations from the travelling supporters!

Trailfinders started the second half just like they ended the first, on the front foot and making the early pressure count with an Abi Burton converted try levelling the scores at 14-14.

Quins immediately responded to this with their third and fourth tries of the match, with England international Bryony Cleall and Layzell stretching Quins’ lead back out to 28-14.

Trailfinders responded well to the setback, finding themselves in some good attacking areas but this time unable to breach the home defence. However, an individual piece of brilliance by Boatman set the Trailfinders fans alight with less than 10 minutes to play, with her weaving run bringing Trailfinders back to within 7 points of the Quins.

Urged on by the travelling fans, Trailfinders pushed for a 4th try, but it wasn’t to be in the end with Harlequins Women running out 31-21 winners.

A great first performance by Trailfinders Women, who showed exciting potential throughout the match. After a two week break, they will be making their home debut against Gloucester-Hartpury at Trailfinders Sports Club on Saturday 14th October.