Programme Notes 2007/8

Worcester Warriors (EDF)

There used to be an important tenet of rugby that “what went on tour, stayed on tour”, now it appears that what goes on tour, “is published immediately we return to maintain my lifestyle, now that my career is over”. Don’t get me wrong, I’m as keen to hear the tittle-tattle as much as the next voyeur, but shouldn’t there be a convention that the major actors should have left the stage before bad-mouthing them and a reasonable period of time should pass before startling revelations are sold to the highest bidder, no matter how broad the sheet is? What should have been remembered as a typically English fight-back against all expectation before glorious and heroic defeat will now be tainted with finger pointing and blame. Will they never learn?

Anyway, back to today. Last week’s results in our EDF pool, means that if we win today against Worcester, who did themselves no justice last week, our final pool match with the Ospreys will probably decide who wins a coveted (with a question mark) place in the Semi-Finals. Unlike the Welsh teams, English clubs are still not sure what to make of this competition. Despite the winners gaining a Heineken Cup place, many still appear to put out weakened or experimental teams and the results do not necessarily reflect Guinness Premiership form. Last week’s Worcester/Ospreys game is a good example. Worcester are now recognised as a team of gritty fighters, with a never-say-die attitude that saved them from relegation last season. What I saw on television suggests that many players went “absent without leave”.

I didn’t travel to the Madejski for last week’s match, but the reports I’ve read suggest that there were many question marks over that match as well. However, an away win is an away win, and it did at least mean that Mark Evans got the wish he stated at the Quinssa “Meet the Management” evening of seeing us win in the new “away” shirts.  Our next event in the series of Quinssa “Meet the ….” Evenings is on Wednesday 21st November at 7:30 for 8pm, in the Members' Clubhouse, The Stoop, when we will be joined by Andy Friend, John Kingston and some players. This is another great chance to ask your questions and receive direct answers. All are welcome to attend. It is FREE to Quinssa Members and Club Members, £5 to others.

For those who are still thinking about joining Quinssa, we have been working with Etihad, the new sponsor of Harlequins, to develop more member benefits. Etihad see Quinssa as the ‘voice’ of the Quins supporter and will continue to work with us during the season. For example,  Quinssa members can win match tickets and also two free flights to Dubai or Abu Dhabi just for being a member! You can join Quinssa either in the Etihad stand bar at every home game or online at www.quinssa.org.uk.

I would like to also say a massive thank you to all those who shook buckets or contributed to the Wooden Spoon charity bucket collection before the Wasps match.  Wooden Spoon is the official Quins’ charity for the current season. The day raised an amazing £2584.68, which will all go to Middlesex projects.  On top of this Quinssa member Mike James sent in some very generous cheques from his fund-raising.

Cliff Funnell
Cliff@quinssa.org.uk

Programme Note Archive