Fixture

The Quins withstood a grandstand finish from the Mules to register a narrow victory keeping them at the top of Division One. Early attempts by the Quins to mount attacks were ruined by the conceding of a dozen penalties in the first twenty minutes, the reasons for some left the players mystified.

Full back Foard Cooksley was in good form and combined with centre Jack Dacey to set up a penalty chance for Marc Sheppard to put the Quins three points up. The Mules hit back as penalty followed penalty and Harrison Evans goaled twice to put the visitors ahead.

Good defence from Conor O'Callaghan and Dacey set up a chance for a counter attack and lock Callum Beynon sprinted into opposition territory. Good support from  Bill Rowlands enabled Cooksley to touch down. Sheppard converted from a wide angle. Mules hit back as another penalty from Evans made it 10-9 at the break.

The Quins backs showed good pace and skills with centre Ryan Pugh and tireless flanker Adam Dawe creating chances. Sheppard stretched the Quins lead with two penalties and also kicked well from hand as well as his usual strong tackling.

Quins winger Rory Hinchcliffe crossed in the corner after good interplay from Flynn, Pugh and Dacey and a bonus point looked possible but a few chances were frittered away and the Quins were drawn into a forward battle.  The Quins eight looked tired as the Mules shoved them over for a try by No.8 Dan Jones which was converted by Lloyd Giles. The Quins had to defend strongly at the final whistle and did well not to concede a further score.