Fixture

A Christmas special local derby between the old rivals with players and coaches in recent years from back grounds in both clubs. Even families had split loyalties as brothers Nathan and Jacob Flynn faced each other at scrum half.

The early exchanges were evenly contested with the Stars taking full advantage of the Quins' needless lack of discipline. Shaun Curran with the wind at his back put the visitors ahead with a well struck penalty goal. The power of the Quins eight was soon displayed as their scrum constantly marched forward. Line out ball was well provided by Liam Oates and Callum Beynon who also contributed much around the field. The ball carrying by skipper Craig Cox and Luke Davies and Oates gained a great position  but it was scrum half, Jake Flynn that opened the Quins account, skipping over from short range. Fly half Marc Sheppard converted. The half backs Sheppard and Flynn were better served by their pack than Foard Cooksley and Nathan Flynn and the Stars duo had very little scope to show any attacking potential.

The domination of the Quins front row of Mike Burgess, Luke Davies and Dan Morgan lead inevitably to a penalty try converted by Sheppard.

As the first half came to a close the Stars raised their game and forced some fine defensive work from Dean Scully and James Peploe-Williams in particular.

Things were bound to get tougher for the Stars as they faced a strengthening second half wind.

Relentless pressure from the Quins pack with Conor O'Callaghan & Glen Williams revelling in the wet conditions and causing havoc in both attack and defence. It was not all about the forwards however as Quins full back, Ryan Pugh put in some great running and wingers Kyle Williams and Steve Colarusso ran hard and effectively.

Sheppard stretched the Quins lead with two penalty shots. Flynn grabbed his second try with a sharp touchline sprint after top class handling.  The Stars stuck gamely to their task and although the Quins pack dominated the set pieces, they had to fight for every inch of territory gained. The Quins rang the changes as Tom James, Lloyd Hayden and Adam Dawe joined the pack which did not make the situation any easier for the Stars. The bonus point was secured as a kick and chase from Jake Flynn resulted in his hat trick try.