Edinburgh Harlequins Youth Rugby

S1 - Quins v Musselburgh - 2 May 2025 This was Quins first game at Portobello High School and a sizeable crowd – well over a hundred - gathered to watch the last full game of the season. Many thanks to the S2’s and S3’s who turned out to support their clubmates and parents and other family members who made it along! Quins last played Musselburgh back in a pre-season game in September. It was a close affair 28 – 28 with Quins snatching a draw with the last kick of game.It turned out to not be quite as close today as Quins had one of their best performances of the season to run out eventual 87 – 31 winners over a spirited Musselburgh team who didn’t give up despite being short of numbers on the day. Kudos to Dylan, Bruce, Rory M and Zac who all took turns helping Musselburgh out alongside putting in good shifts for the home team.The first try came early for Quins and set the scene for what was to come. The ball was worked well through the hands to Kharim who rounded the cover to score. Luke knocked the kick over to make it 7 – 0. Quins quickly made it 14 -0 after a great steal from Charlie in the ruck allowed Brayden to make ground down the middle before Kharim scored again. This time Cameron added the extras. Musselburgh hit back with a strong run from the halfway line to make it 14 – 7, however Quins then took full control of the first third. The forwards were competing well at the rucks and providing great ball for the backs to spread it along the line. Danny and Hamish set up Rory M, who dummied the last defender to score, Cameron stole the ball with a great jackal at a ruck setting up Luke to make a break and feed Kharim the ball for his third try. Another big hit in defence led to a turnover which Kharim ran in from his own 22 to break Musselburgh hearts. Cameron finished the scoring for the first third with a try of his own. The score was now 40 – 7 with Cameron and Luke sharing the kicking duties.The second third carried on where the first had started. Hamish scored after some great rucking by the team, Charlie charged through after a set play from a lineout, before the best try of the day which came after Quins had won the ball on their own line and kept it alive time after time through great team play, with some strong running from Leo, before Cameron burst through after a sumptuous offload by Rory T. Rory T then scored to finish off a good passing move just before Musselburgh got the last score of the second third, to add to another try earlier in this period. The score at the end of the second third was 66 – 19 to Quins.Musselburgh kept plugging away despite the scoreboard and Quins were still having to defend, Hamish and Rory T both made some excellent hits on strong Musselburgh runners. Bruce set up a try for Callum after a strong run from a tap penalty. It was then score for score for the rest of the game. Kharim who was back on for the final third scored 2 near identical tries from Musselburgh kick offs – both set up by Rory M who took the kick off, drew the defenders and set Kharim free. Musselburgh scored a couple of well worked tries of their own to make the final score 87 – 31.This was a great performance by the boys, a real squad effort with a debut for Murdo, and great contributions from Max, Oliver, Edgar, Gregor, and Daniel. It was exciting to see how they have all come together over the season and really grown as a team. Onwards and upwards for S2. Well done boys, you should all be extremely proud of yourselves, and thank you to all of the parents for ferrying the boys to games and training.

Quins started well against a Currie team they last played in pre-season friendly, with Sam burstingt through the defensive line for an early try that was converted by Cameron.Rory T added a second, making a break after Currie dropped the ball in attack . The kick made it 14 - 0 to Quins. Currie came into the game at this point and only some solid defence on the Quins line with Oliver tackling really well at fullback, kept them out. After weathering the storm Quins scored another three unanswered tries, all converted by Cameron to take the score to 35 - 0. The first one saw Dylan carrying hard twice in the same move, with the Quins forwards making great ground around the rucks, Brayden was running hard and Zac and Bruce were leading the rucking efforts before Cameron touched down. The second was an epic run from Rory T from his own 10 metre line where he seemed to beat every Currie defender at least once! The Quins scoring for the first third was rounded off by Dylan with a deserved try after some good passing by Quins. Despite being behind on the scorebord Currie kept pressing and scored a kong range try to make it 35 - 7 at the break. The second third was more even as Currie found their groove and Quins had to defend more with Hamish, Danny, Max and Oliver putting in great defensive shifts.Currie scored a quick try in the corner after a scrum steal to close the gap to 35 - 14. Quins then played some of their best rugby, moving the ball from side to side, with some great support and rucking to set up Rory M to score under the posts. Quins scored again, for Rory T's third of the day. This was another cracker - Rory M, Danny and Cameron got the ball through the hands with intent from their own 22. Rory hit a great line and had the pace to take it all the way. Both tries were converted by Cameron.Currie made the second third a draw by scoring a converted try to make the score at the break 49 - 21 to Quins.Quins were a little short on subs this week and there were some tired bodies on display in the last third, however eveyone dug deep with Otto, Edgar and Gregor all playing their parts in keeping a resurgent Currie at bay after they scored an early break away try from halfway.Hamish had moved into the backs for the last third and scored a break away try from his own half that was rounded off with an awesome change of direction that left the last defender on the floor. Danny converted to make the score 56 - 28.Currie were still playing well and causing Quins problems at ruck time. Tempers got a little frayed at times, but the boys stayed calm and defended solidly as Currie kept the pressure up scoring their fifth try to close the gap.Hamish made sure of the victory with another lung bursting long break, which was again converted by Danny before Currie scored with the last play of the game to make the final score 63 - 40 to Quins.This was a great game to shake off the Easter cobwebs and was harder fought than the scoreline might suggest. Currie competed excellently up front and had some strong runners that caused Quins problems. The boys had to stick together at times and dig deep and they did that very well. Oliver and Dylan took the match day chocolate this week, but they should all be proud of themselves for putting in an excellent team performance.

Royal High School v Lasswade v Edinburgh Harlequins (U13) – 29/3/25 The Harlequins made the trip across the city for a 3 team round robin mini tournament. We hadn’t played the hosts Royal High yet this season, but had beaten them as Porty Hornets a year ago. Lasswade was a different story – in three meetings this season Lasswade had come out on top each time by 57-21, 67-28 and 20-12. The Quins were also missing top try scorer Kharim and top conversion kicker Cameron, but nevertherless spirits were high.First up were Lasswade – and the Quins started fast – with their first spell of possession Rory M fed the ball to Leo on the wing who made good ground before passing inside to Rory T, he swept over for a try, Luke confidently slotted the conversion and Quins were ahead! Despite some excellent Quins pressure Lasswade scored a breakaway try to even the scores. Undeterred Harlequins continued to push forward, following another good run from Leo, Hamish continued and passed to Rory M who scored our second try – again Luke’s deadly left boot added the extra points. Big tackles were flying in as Quins endeavoured to keep the lead, but again Lasswade scored another breakaway – and at halftime scores were tied at 14-14. The second half continued in a similar vein, the majority of the play being in the Lasswade half as Quins continued to try and restore their lead, eventually it came courtesy of Hamish. But yet again Lasswade found space on the wing and got their third breakaway try of the day – and edged in front 21-19. The clock was ticking down and Quins were trying everything to break though the Lasswade defence – Brayden almost forced his way over, then Rory M got close, but not close enough. Finally Rory T was delivered the ball just inside our half and effortlessly glided past the Lasswade defence to score his second of the game and give the Quins a much deserved victory 24 to 21 ! Players and Quins fans were overjoyed – this was a big win!!After a 5 minute breather Quins were up against the hosts – could they keep the momentum? The answer – a resounding yes! After being denied a try in the last game Brayden crashed through the hosts line to open the scoring – Danny added the extra points and Harlequins were up and running. Soon after Rory T flew over for our second try and then Rory M with a perfect pick and go added a third – Danny converting successfully. Halftime and Quins were winning 19-0. There was no respite for the hosts in the second half – Bruce broke from the 22 and showed exceptional pace to leave the defence in his wake and score, Rory M added the extra points. Otto then got in on the scoring, benefiting from a referees advantage for a Royal High knock on to grab the ball and show a clean pair of heels down the wing, and again Rory M slotted the conversion. Oliver was unlucky not to score, channelling his inner Blair Kinghorn to run through from deep before eventually getting tackled close to the line. Hamish scored the Quins final try, after weathering some Royal High pressure he ran in a great breakaway. Final score 40-0 win for the Quins.This was a tremendous performance, and a great way to sign off for the Easter break! The win over Lasswade shows how this team is improving week on week – all testament to the time and effort the coaches and the boys are putting in – and now they are seeing the results and reaping the rewards! Special mentions for Max, Leo and man of the match Oliver for putting in some superb text book tackles – afterwards the referee said we were one of the best tackling teams of this age group he’d seen! And to man of the match Rory T for repeatedly carving his way through defenses! Yet again another full team performance and one which all the players should be immensely proud of – ‘mon the Quins!!!

Quins v Dalkeith 22/3/25Quins played Dalkeith for the third time this season with a win a piece so far for each team. Dalkeith started strongly and Quins were forced to defend with Max and Dylan both putting in big hits in the first few minutes (and throughout the game). The pressure from Dalkieth told though and they took an early lead with a converted try. The lead was short lived as Quins came to life and quickly established control of the game. Kharim scored first after a great turnover by Charlie who once again upped his game against Dalkeith. A monster run from Bruce set Kharim up for his second before Rory T scored straight from the kick off. The last score of the first third came when Hamish ran back a loose kick. Cameron converted all of the tries and it was 28-7 to Quins at the break.Dalkeith again started strongly scoring early in the second third and only being kept out by staunch defending in the corner. Danny and Hamish were putting in big hits and the forwards, were getting to rucks regulary to cause Dalkeith problems - Leo M and Ethan, our newest recruits showed up well today making some good tackles. Quins again reacted well and made the most of some hesitant tackling from Dalkeith to stretch their lead though they still had to put in some solid tackling against the hard straight running Dalkieth attack. Kharim got his third score after a great break from Rory T, who then scored again straight from the kick off. Dalkeith didnt give up and scored the last try of the third after some hard running by their big forwards bringing the score to 42 - 19 to Quins.The final third saw Quins score three unanswered converted tries as injuries took their toll on Dalkeith. Cameron - who ended the day with a 100% success rate from the tee - scored after an audacious kick ahead and regather by Hamish, before Kharim and Rory T got their fourth and third tries respectively to round off the scoring.Final score was 63 - 19 to Quins - a great result after hard fought matches earlier in the season. Max took the man of the match chocolate and Ethan got the most improved although the whole team should be proud of their performance today.

Preston Lodge v Edinburgh Harlequins U13 – 8-3-25

A large squad of Harlequins made the trip out to the Pans on a sunny Saturday morning , and included two debutants Leo M and Ethan in their ranks. Earlier this season we had comfortably beaten this team 73-12 so spirits were high.
Quins started fast, which has not always been the case, and immediately had the hosts on the back foot. Luke made the first of many strong runs down the wing, the ball was then fed along the line to Kharim on the other wing who swept through to score – Cameron added the extra two points. Harlequins kept the pressure on the hosts, and a quick thinking Rory M managed to touch down whilst laying on his back and stretching above his head! The tries were coming thick and fast as Preston Lodge were struggling to cope with the Quins pressure, Kharim got his second outrunning the defence, and Cameron duly obliged with the conversion. After 7 minutes Edinburgh were ahead 19-0! It was at this point that Rory T got in on the scoring, some tidy passing got the ball to him for his first, then good pressure forced PL into making errors from which Rory T profited and then with the last play of the first 15 minutes he completed his hattrick. Camreron had scored 5/6 conversions! End of the first period of total Quins domination the score stood at 40-0.
For the second period the visitors made wholesale changes including first starts for Leo M and Ethan. The hosts upped their game and started to put pressure on the Quins for the first time in the match and were close to scoring before Rory T scored a great breakaway try – his fourth of the match! Luke took over kicking duty for the second period and drilled his first kick dead centre. Preston Lodge continued to press and got a much deserved try of their own. The new players were settling in for the Quins, Leo made a couple of very confident runs and Ethan was proving to be a useful asset in the forward line. Quins continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over with a pair of tries from Hamish, for the first he battered his way over with shear brute force, the second was a great pick and go from the back of the ruck. Luke nailed both conversions and at the end of the second period the score stood at 61-12 to the Quins.
The Quins mixed up the team further for the third period, changing some positions about and resting other players. Preston Lodge started strongly and scored, but Kharim then exploited the tired legs of the opposition with a pair of strong runs to give him a total of four tries on the day. Danny was on kicking duty now and added the extra points. The hosts added another consolation try but the final score was a tremendous 75-26 win for the Quins!
This was a strong statement from the Harlequins albeit against a less experienced side and the new players acquitted themselves exceptionally well. Well deserved man of the match chocolate went to Cameron and Leo M. The improved fitness levels, confidence in passing and trying out some training ground routines were all clear to see as this team moves forward. ‘Mon the Quins!!