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Harlequins (15-9,1-8): Hyer, Taussig, (Olumo 40) Trexler, Smith, (Klaus 70) Hull, Thomas, Durica, Roder, Gonder, Matteucci, (Hattrup 45) Siplon, Kosanovich, (Miller 40) Mather (Graepler 50) Biss, (Daymut 40) Hogan (McDill 55)

Match Report

By Dan Hattrup
Denver Harlequins

The Harlequins kicked off their run for the national title with a visit to Lincoln, Nebraska. On a day tailor made for rugby, the excitement built as the 30 strong contingent from Denver prepared to challenge Lincoln City RFC for their spot at the Westerns.

The game began with some solid tackling from the hosts in the face of consistent possession from the Harlequins. Tactical kicking by flyhalf Rob Thomas kept the visitors inside the attacking zone. An early infringement for offside resulted in the scoreline opening at 3-0 after a penalty kick from Thomas.

From the restart, the Quins had a series of strong moves that were capped off by a knock on when a try seemed ready for the taking. The pack from Denver began to show it's dominance when it steamrolled the Lincoln pack and stole possession. It was a trend that would continue for the next 10 minutes, as slight mistimings would prevent a series of tries from being scored.

Finally, the Harlequins were able to work out the kinks from the 7 hour drive from the day before, as and Dave Hull scored tries in rapid succession. Thomas followed with a conversion and a penalty to bring the game to 18 to 0.

A well placed kick from the hosts bounced off of fullback Hyer's shoulder and Lincoln City's winger was able to pick off the lucky bounce and dart under the posts for the converted try.

With the wakeup call having been delivered, the Harlequins kicked it into a higher gear, and began running in tries for the next 10 minutes to the half. Center Mike Smith began to control the midfield, releasing Hull and Hyer for tries. The remainder of the half saw the possession Lincoln was able to obtain usually coming as the result of tactical kicking. Every time Lincoln had the ball, they were pressured by the entire backline, with standout tackling by the centers and wing Ben Taussig.

The second half saw the Quins in full stride, with multiple substitutions being made. The forwards showed the backs how to carry the ball down the field without knocking on, and set up a series of tries that were finished by the hair-gel class.

The onslaught began when captain and second row John Kosanovich carried the ball 50 meters down the field before being tackled by the fullback, some back scored. As the Quins continued to pressure down the field, a kick was mishandled into touch by the Lincoln fullback. A quick throwin from winger David Trexler to the replacement prop Dan Hattrup was intentionally knocked by the defending Lincoln player. It was intentionally knocked, however, into the hands of flanker Adam "Finch" Daymut, who was able to sneak over the line for the first of the forward tries.

Continued marches down the field found the Quins receiving penalties inside the Lincoln 22. Hooker Owen Gonder took a series of runs against the defense, being stopped half a meter short each time. Flanker Chad Graeppler scored two tries as Gonder recycled the ball to him, and some short bald back scored the third.

The final try of the weekend was scored off a great play to the outside. Hyer played off to Trexler, who passed on to Taussig. The forward support was there, as Hattrup carried on, recyled the ball out for the same short bald back to score a try in the corner while standing on his head.

Full credit to Lincoln City for the game, and especially for the after-game social. Lots of beer, grub and even a bit of volleyball was enjoyed after the match.