Round 22
Harlequins 18 d. Hull FC 16

2006 English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: English Super League

Quins ground Airlie Birds
Sun July 23, 2006
Source: www.quins.co.uk

New coach Brian McDermott celebrated his first home game in style and Mark McLinden bagged a first half hat-trick as Quins brought Hull's winning streak to a crashing halt.

A first-half hat-trick from Australian full-back Mark McLinden proved just enough for Harlequins as they ended Hull's 13-match engage Super League winning streak.

The London outfit made the dream start when McLinden intercepted a Sid Domic kick before a lightning break saw the Aussie star complete an 85-metre run to touch down under the posts.

Henry Paul made no mistake with the conversion before Hull began to get a foothold in the game getting their first points on the board when Kirk Dixon knocked over a penalty.

The visitors then began to lay siege on the Quins try-line, twice getting cheap possession from Nick Bradley-Qalilawa but the magnificent London defence held out.

Harlequins then made their guests pay for their failure in the final third as Tyrone Smith intercepted a Richard Horne pass, before running 65 metres and after keeping possession McLinden was released and danced his way across the line.

Rob Purdham converted before McLinden went over again in the 38th minute and Purdham converted for the second time in the half as Quins went into the break with an 18-2 lead.

After the break the game turned full circle.

McLinden made a brave last-ditch challenge to deny a Hull attack a yard from the line but he paid the price for his commitment and was helped off the field with severe concussion.

Hull stepped up a gear after McLinden's departure and in the 50th minute Domic registered their first try - a deep Chris Chester kick was not dealt with by Bradley-Qalilawa and Domic pounced.

With their tails up Hull then scored again as Motu Tony - who signed a three-year extension to his Hull contract on Thursday - took full advantage of another Quins lapse to score in the right corner.

Purdham then wasted a golden opportunity to seal victory for Harlequins as following a darting run inside the Hull half he kicked into the corner instead of flicking the ball inside to the screaming Bradley-Qalilawa.

In the final minute Hull's Nathan Blacklock flew down the right wing to score but despite Dixon kicking the conversion there simply was not time for the visitors to set up another scoring position as Harlequins scrambled the victory to move five points clear of the drop-zone.

Quins are next at home against World Club Champions, Bradford Bulls at 3p on Saturday 12th August. Tickets are now on sale from just £12 when purchased in advance - 020 8410 6000.

www.quins.co.uk

Advanced Search