Cowling Harlequins 30 Halton Moor Storm 14

Harlequins started the new season in style by defeating the team tipped to win Division Seven this season despite playing for 70 minutes with 12 men.

Full back Ben Pickles received a red card after a 26-man brawl which typified the intense opening ten minutes.

The Quins, who have clearly benefited from their pre-season work, opened the scoring when Gary Nelson took advantage of Rob Owlett’s well-timed pass to score under the posts. Owlett added the conversion.

The second try came from centre Brannan Lawn who capitalised on more good work from Owlett. Lawn received the ball out wide and sidestepped the full back to score under the posts.

Owlett converted but within minutes Storm had opened their account with a try.

The Quins were anxious not to squander their lead and made a perfect start to the second half. Nelson burst through the Storm defence on his way to a fine try which Owlett again converted.

On the next set Cowling’s hooker Ross Pearson powered over from acting half and grounded the ball for a great solo try. Owlett’s deadly boot added the extra two points.

Storm did hit back with two scores but Quins were not going to be denied. Nelson completed his hat-trick from player-coach Daz Greenwood’s pass. Owlett maintained his 100 per cent kicking record with his fifth conversion.

The test for Cowling is to back up this performance against relegated King Cross Park A at Burgess Fields.