Wasps fall short to Harlequins in final minutes of play
Wasps fell short to Harlequins by one point in the final three minutes of a breathtaking game of Premier 15s rugby. Wasps we’re leading 19 points to 17 in the 67th minute but with a penalty in their favour Harlequin’s Tuima slotted the ball through the posts to secure the win.
Wasps opened the game in the first 5 minutes when a driving maul ended with a try – Crake taking the ball over the line to put us 5 points ahead.
It wasn’t long before Harlequins seized the opportunity to equalise from a penalty and driving maul of their own. Former Wasps player Cokayne took the ball over for the opposition and with the wind living up to typical Surrey Sports Park conditions- a missed conversion put them level with Wasps.
Wasps looked strong on both sides of the ball- the Wasps Irish contingency leaving their mark in defence before they head away on camp next week.
With 5 minutes left in the half, Wasps opened up the game with a try from Muir, assisted by her captain Alder. And, with a successful boot from Jones, Wasps went into the half time break 7 points in the lead.
Just 4 minutes into the second half, Captain Kate widened the gap between the sides- reaching over the line with a stunner of a try! Another two points from Jones leaving Harlequins trailing by 14 points.
However- after two losses on the bounce, Harlequins were not about to let Wasps run away that easily. Turning up the heat they went on to score two tries in the second half from Cokayne and Edwards and a further penalty from Tuimi.
In the closing minutes Wasps sought an opportunity to steal the win- Quansah making a great break down the wing but Wasps were driven into touch and Harlequins were left to close the game kicking the ball out in the final play.
“Difficult day at the office, very disappointing to come so close but our own errors cost us dearly and credit to Quins for showing their calibre and taking their opportunities.”
Claire Molloy, No. 8
A losing bonus point, but not the result they were hoping for. Next week Wasps will look to learn from errors made in this weekend’s game and put them right when they invite top of the table team Saracens down to Twyford Avenue.
Holly Foskett
Media Officer
Wasps FC Ladies
