Harlequins Ladies – Bristol Bears Women

Quins Ladies take aim at Bristol Bears

Following the men’s game against Bath, the women will be aiming to make it two wins from two following their impressive first round 38-24 win at Gloucester-Hartpury.

Over four thousand fans turned up last season to watch Quins Ladies take on Richmond setting a women’s club match record, and prop Chloe Edwards hopes for more of the same this season.

“Everyone always wants that starting shirt when we play there because it’s so special,” said Edwards.

“Hopefully the crowd will stay after the men’s game and we can put on a good show for them.”

Despite their six try performance last weekend, Edwards believes there’s plenty more to come from a side who fielded six new players, praising Victoria Petersson, Lucy Packer and Chloe Butler in particular.

“You couldn’t have told we hadn’t played with them before, everyone gelled together well. We’ve only been training together for two months, so it was great to finally have them on the pitch. They’ve started well and I’m sure it’ll continue for the rest of the campaign.”

Quins are looking to go one better than their runners-up position last season where they were edged out by Saracens in the final, but Edwards knows the only way to do that is by taking it ‘one game at a time.’

“This week it’s a case of improving on last weekend. Everything we did well we can still take up a notch, especially this early in the season.

“Bristol are a good side so we can’t be complacent.

“Every team will have an eye on the title this year, it’s such a competitive league with no weak teams.”

The double header this weekend is the first of two this season and Edwards believes the attention and support the game is getting from the club proves that the women’s game is moving forward.

“Having played in the premiership and lower levels for a few years I think it’s incredible to see how much coverage the women’s game is getting.

“Quins have done an amazing job in promoting the game. It was a successful first year and this year will be even better as it’ll continue to get more girls involved, which is what it’s about- getting the next generation involved.”

Harlequins Ladies play their home games at Surrey Sports Park and the Twickenham Stoop. For more info go to quins.co.uk