Rugby: Dazzling Quins go up to fourth

From the archive, first published Tuesday 26th Oct 2004.

Powergen South West 1: Oxford Harlequins made light of atrocious conditions to win 32-5 at Keynsham and move up to fourth.

Quins opened the scoring in the 20th minute when the ball was whipped left with long passes, and hooker Simon Chadbone appeared on the wing to score a try.

Then, No 8 Paul Nye started an attack which ended with centre Henry Pooler sending right winger Will Greenwood on a dazzling tip-toe run for the second try.

With flankers Jamie Cope and Shaun Baxter in top form, Quins full back Andy Noyce went on a touchline run for a try which made it 15-0 at half-time.

The Quins pack were providing good ball, and scrum half Anthony Cope sent fly half Dean Aven over for a superb try, which Noyce converted.

Keynsham hit back with a try by fly half Edson.

But after Quins prop Paul DeLange and his opposite number Thomas were yellow-carded, the visitors added late tries from Noyce and outstanding No 8 Mark Dixon.

Chinnor struggled in the wild conditions against hosts Clifton, going down to a 32-10 defeat.

The home side's fly half, John Barnes, pumped the ball into the corners, utilising the skidding surface to telling effect.

Clifton then pressurised Chinnor into errors and punished them accordingly.

With a contribution of 17 points, comprising three penalties, two drop goals and a conversion, Barnes put his stamp on the game.

In contrast, Chinnor elected to play a handling game and suffered as a consequence.

Clifton led 16-3 at half-time, Chinnor's points coming from a penalty by James Cathcart.

With the wind in their favour Chinnor, who had Darren Oxley yellow-carded, managed just a late try in the corner from Sam McIvor, which Chad Ward converted.

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