Quins lack clinical edge at Leicester (From This Is Local London)

Quins lack clinical edge at Leicester

12:10pm Monday 16th September 2002 in

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Leicester 30 Harlequins 6

Harlequins' will need to find a killer instinct if they are to avoid another relegation battle this season following defeat by champions Leicester on Saturday, their second in as many matches in the Zurich Premiership (writes Dale Harry).

Quins will be kicking themselves, for until Leicester's Steve Booth's 58th minute try they had the possession, the territory and full control of proceedings.

Quins had numerous chances to take the lead as Leicester continued to spill possession, but David Slemen missed two penalties and Ben Gollings saw two drop-goals drift wide.

Full-back Stimpson contributed 15 of the Tigers points, opening with a third-minute penalty which was cancelled out three minutes later by Quins fly-half David Slemen.

Slemen reduced the deficit to seven points with a 27th-minute penalty and with the score at 13-6 Quins came out for the second half with renewed determination but not the finishing touch.

Quins are at home to Leeds Tykes this Saturday with Paul Burke returning from a knee injury to replace David Slemen at fly-half.

Satala will replace Chris Bell, whose hamstring injury will keep him out for up to four weeks. Alex Codling, who missed Saturday's match, will come into the second row.

Quins had four players selected for a 50-man elite England training squad at Penny Hill Park on Monday and Tuesday.

Head coach Clive Woodward named Alex Codling, Will Greenwood and Jason Leonard plus Dan Luger, who was invited to attend even though he was recovering from a long term injury.

Further players may be added for future training days before Woodward selects the 22 for the games against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in November.

Quins have drawn Caerphilly in the first round of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup which takes place October 11-13.

This Saturday Quins host the curtain raiser for the Richmond & Twickenham Times Cup which has over 30 local rugby clubs, all of whom are associated to Quins, competing for the trophy.

The tournament has been expanded this season and the final will be staged prior to the Quins Zurich Premiership game against Leicester Tigers on Saturday 19th April 2003.