Quins slip up in Bayonne
Harlequins fell to a 16-12 defeat in their Amlin Challenge Cup opener amidst torrential rain in Bayonne.
Last Updated: 10/10/10 8:14pm
Harlequins fell to a 16-12 defeat in their Amlin Challenge Cup opener amidst torrential rain in Bayonne.
On an almost flooded surface and with a slippery ball, passing rugby was almost impossible but Quins bossed the first half and four Nick Evans penalties put them well on top.
Johnan Pietersen's superb try lifted the gloom, and a farcical second from Sam Gerber kick-started the fightback and the French side kept their noses in front.
Evans had kicked Quins ahead before Bayonne produced what would prove a rare moment of inspiration in the ninth minute. Full-back Pepito Elhorga defied the conditions with a superb turn of speed to put winger Pietersen over in the corner.
Benjamin Boyet was well short with the conversion attempt and two subsequent penalties as Evans kept his footing better on the treacherous surface to land his four shots - including one via an upright and another from around 50 yards.
Second try
The second try arrived five minutes into the second period when Boyet's kick stuck in a huge puddle, taking Quins full-back Mike Brown out of the game and allowing Gerber to splash over in the corner. Cedric Garcia took on kicking duties and found the distance, but his effort struck the post and bounced to safety.
Evans missed for the first time with a penalty from the left touchline before Quins lost captain Chris Robshaw for 10 minutes when he was yellow-carded for a late, high tackle.
Scrum-half Garcia showed the way for kickers by cutting his run-up to two paces and slotting over the penalty to open up a four-point advantage.
The visitors had a late spell of pressure but were unable to force their way over. A shambolic finish saw the ball twice deliberately kicked out of play ahead of the whistle - the second time by Quins number eight Nick Easter, in search of a losing bonus point.
