Harlequins Women fall to 5-24 defeat against Bristol Bears Women at The Stoop
Harlequins Women were defeated on Saturday afternoon as Bristol Bears Women left South West London with all five points following a 5-24 victory at The Stoop.
The hosts started at a rate of knots, with Bears forced to concede penalty after penalty, resulting in an early yellow card for lock Natalia John.
Despite having the extra player on the pitch, Quins found themselves 0-5 down after Grace Compton spotted a gap in the Harlequins defence and raced through to score the first points of the game.
The Famous Quarters responded shortly after with a try of their own through Emily Robinson. Summer recruit Beth Blacklock ran a hard line through the middle of the Bristol Bears defence but was tackled agonisingly close to the Bears try line. Quick thinking and a smart offload from the centre allowed the flanker to power her way over to bring Harlequins level.
After 20 minutes of end-to-end rugby, referee Charlie Gayther blew the half-time whistle with the score Harlequins Women 5 – 5 Bristol Bears Women.
The visitors came flying out of the blocks in the second half and scored their second try of the game almost instantly once again through Grace Compton as the wing dodged a tackle and dived over the line to put Bears back in front.
Shortly after the side from the West County extended their lead, this time through fullback and GB 7s star Jasmine Joyce. England prop Sarah Bern managed to break two tackles before offloading to Joyce who sped away to score Bristol’s third try.
With 20 minutes to go Bears secured the deserved bonus point. A driving maul from 5m out allowed the visitors to head back down the M4 with all five points, keeping them top of the table and still unbeaten.
Full-time: Harlequins Women 5 – 24 Bristol Bears Women
Next match: DMP Durham Sharks vs Harlequins Women. Allianz Cup. The Darlington Arena. Saturday October 30. 15:00 kick-off.
https://www.quins.co.uk/news/harlequins-women-defeated-by-bristol-bears-women/
