Rugby returned to Twyford Avenue today in the second round of Allianz Premier 15s as Wasps took on London rivals Harlequins. A close first half saw the teams break with two points in it, but Harlequins played to their strengths in the second to run away with the win and a final score of 12-31.

Wasps started on fire with an opening moment of magic from Meg Jones and speed from Kildunne out wide who put Wasps ahead in the first minute. Minutes later an early penalty for Harlequins saw them equalise off a line out drive, finished off by Amy Cokayne who took it over the line for the opposition.

Wasps, taking full advantage of their back line, got it out wide to Abby Dow who found her way through Harlequins defence to run it over in the 14th minute and take Wasps ahead by 5 points.

Wasps’ defence, fuelled by the likes of Muir and Kabeya, kept Harlequins away until the final 4 minutes of the half where Harlequins took the lead with a try by Abbie Ward and successful conversion by Green.

The second half saw a slower start and a near moment of magic from power duo Jones and Quansah who were narrowly beaten to the line by the opposition in a kick chase.

A collapsed maul and subsequent yellow card left Wasps a man down defending their try line in the 45th minute. And in the 50th, Harlequins widened their lead with a close range dive over the line by Brown.

From here, the game took a turn in Harlequins’ favour, who played to their strengths up front with forwards Beckett and Ward both adding to the points board to secure their second win from two in this Allianz Premier 15’s competition.

“We knew we were gonna face a very dominant aggressive pack and as a team we were ready to come out the blocks fighting. Which showed in the first half of the game where they couldn’t get an inch on us and only came away with points from our own discipline and mistakes. Very exciting game with a lot of positives to take into next week!”

Sadia kabeya, No. 7

An exciting season opener, a fiery first half but unfortunate final score for Wasps this weekend- but lots to take through with them to next week’s game on the road against Worcester Warriors.