Wasps defeat adds to Harlequins woes
Wasps beat Quins in part two of the London double header at Twickenham
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Saturday, 05, Sep 2009 06:46
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Harlequins' troubles continue as they lost 26-15 to a hardworking London Wasps side on the opening day of the Premier League season.
In part two of the London double-header Quins threw everything at their city rivals but were undone by a brace from debutant Tom Varndell.
Quins were down to 14 men with just a minute played when George Robson was sent-off for headbutting.
After a tentative opening Harlequins were the first on the score sheet when makeshift full-back Ugo Monye showed his international class in scoring with 13 minutes gone.
Wasps weren't behind for long as former Leicester winger Varndell did the Quins' defence for pace and touched down to bring the scores level.
Quins' advantage was restored three minutes later when winger Gonzalo Camacho rounded off a good move to put Quins in control. Nick Evans this time added the extras.
Mark Van Gisbergen and Evans swapped penalties before another Van Gisbergen three-pointer made the score 15-11.
Two minutes before the break Varndell really endeared himself to his new club when he touched down for his second try to give Wasps a narrow 16-15 lead going into the break.
After a lively first period the second half was tame in comparison. Both sides looked to be running out of steam as errors began to creep into the match.
The second half's first points came on the hour when Van Gisbergen slotted his third penalty to put Wasps four points clear.
Quins threw everything at Wasps but could not break down a stubborn black and yellow defence led by man of the match Serge Betsen.
Referee Dean Richards awarded Wasps a penalty try with four minutes to go, adjudging the Quins pack to have been pulling down a maul close to their line. Van Gisbergen added the simple conversion to secure the victory.
Quins continued to come forward but it was all too little too late as Wasps wound the clock down to record the win.