Match v Denver Harlequins : Report ( Photo or 2 to follow!) 

Due to the poor weather in downtown Denver the game had to change from the Harlequins pitch at Cook Park to an artificial turf pitch adjacent to the new stadium at Glendale – Infinity Park. There was a slight delay in kick off due to presence of mini rugby activity for circa 150 local children.

After 8 minutes GHK scored from a great break by Danny H to Tony H who passed to Andrew S who passed to Danny C to score 8 metres in from touch. Despite the altitude Andy F failed to convert. 0 – 6

This was a precursor to a fast free flowing game on a surface suited to GHK’s style of play. For the first 20 minutes there was not much between the sides: good defence on the GHK line keeping out Harlequins on a number of occasions. The visitors then began to find their stride and dominate the game in both lineouts and scrums.

Good lineout ball from a penalty kicked after 25 minutes to 5 metres was moved quickly through the hands to Rory L to score in the corner. 0 – 10 after another missed conversion. Our trusty No 10 took his time to take advantage of the thin air!

4 further scores followed from Danny C (2 more) and 2 from D’Arcy – 3 conversions took the score to 0 – 36 at half time.

Coach Kenny rotated the subs to give most of the guys good game time allowing them to adjust to the altitude. 

Scoring continued at pace over the second half with 10 more tries (6 converted) including both props featuring with well taken support tries. Full list of scorers;

Tony H – 4
Danny C – 4
Rory L – 2
Hugh P – 2
John L – 1
Cammy Mcl – 1
Andy F – 1
Duncan F – 1

Conversions were 7 by Andy F and 1 by Cammy L (drop kicked)

Final score at full time 0 - 96 

The Glendale facility had use of the lights for a while longer and the teams played an extra 20 minutes longer after full time, good to ensure that everyone got a good run out at altitude!

A big thanks to Harlequins for their excellent post match hospitality at a local Irish Bar. We hope they may be able to visit us to reciprocate in a couple of years. Boatrace victories ensued in the players and physios events!

Travelled overland to Vail which bears a striking resemblance to heaven, with blue skies, bright sunshine, magnificent scenery and, at 8150 feet, a bit closer to heaven than most of us have been or are likely to be in the future! A good training session this afternoon to blow away last night’s cobwebs, followed by some serious R and R. and looking forward to tomorrow’s white water rafting. 

The Pres

This article was originally posted on 26-May-2011, 07:39 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 26-May-2011, 07:41.