A Preview of the 2005/6 2ndXV Season

By AlanQuin
July 15 2005

One of the more pleasurable parts of following Quins during the past two seasons has been watching the 2nd XV compete in the Zurich A League. Not only has there been splendid running rugby and many tries scored, but in 2003/4 Quins won the league on a memorable night at Franklin Gardens.

In 2004/5 they were pipped for the final play-off place by Wasps by a single bonus point conceded in an injury time try at Imber Court. They lost only twice in two seasons including an unbroken run of 16 sucessive victories and averaged over 40 points a match.

I was afraid that relegation would bring an end to Quins’ participation in that competition, since hitherto only the Premiership teams have taken part. It was with considerable pleasure that I heard Collin Osborne, the 2nd XV and Academy coach, tell the Quinssa AGM that Harlequins will compete in what, I assume, will be known as the Guinness A League in the coming season.

The format of two conferences, North and South will remain with the top team in each conference playing a two leg Final. What will be different is that all the matches will be played in the first half of the season leaving other casual fixtures such as the Universities, the Army and games against some of those who are in the other conference to the New Year.
Looking at the playing staff it is good to see that many of the stalwarts of these matches remain and we can look forward to watching the performances and development of Charlie Amesbury, Henry Barratt, Adrian Jarvis, Mike Brown, Kiba Richards, Tosh Masson, Duncan James, George Robson, James Inglis and a number of others whose play in these matches in the last two seasons have been a real hope for the future of Harlequins.

More details will become available nearer the start of the season and will undoubtedly be written about here. Match reports, too, of all 2nd XV matches will continue to be published on this site.