McDermott baffled by underperforming Quins
Quins' play-off hopes hang by a thread
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Sunday, 06, Sep 2009 05:43
By Tom Powell.
In the wake of his side's 48-0 loss to Castleford, Harlequins coach Brian McDermott is at a loss as to why his team are under performing.
The Tigers ran in nine tries putting Quins' play-off fate out of their hands going into the Super League's final weekend.
McDermott told BBC Sport: "I'm disappointed. I wouldn't single out any part of the game, we just weren't at the races.
"I don't know what's gone wrong. It's not injuries or suspension, we haven't got blokes who don't care.
"I've been looking at myself every time we lose - we work very hard. Things aren't wrong in the camp, but they're wrong on the field."
The win secures Castleford's place in the play-offs and coach Terry Matterson will be hoping his side can gather some momentum going into them.
Matterson commented: "To go into the play-offs with one game remaining is pretty pleasing. It's a good chance to build some momentum.
"I'm not afraid of going to Wigan away in the semi-final of the play-offs."
Matterson was delighted with his side's performance but had sympathy for his opposite number McDermott.
"I felt for Quins. It happened to us three weeks ago against Leeds," he said.
"I concentrate on performance, and you're usually not too far away from a result if you do that. We toughed it out in the first half, and got to play in the second."
Going into the final weekend Quins need to beat Warrington Wolves and are relying on St Helens to beat Catalan Dragons to reach the play-offs.
Bradford Bulls also have an outside chance after beating Salford City Reds 44-18 but they'll need Quins and the Dragons to both lose whilst they defeat Hull.