Cowling Harlequins 8 Birkenshaw 52

COWLING gave everything against the Division Four West champions in their final game of the season and the margin of defeat was harsh on them.

With the funeral of former Quins player Chris Young taking place on the Thursday prior to the game, Cowling were determined to pay tribute to him with a good display.

They found the going tough against a well-drilled side, the difference being Birkenshaw's centres, Chris Walkers and James Rhodes, who cut through Cowling's line.

Great work from Ali Feather and man of the match Craig Nicholson got the Quins in strike range and it was Nicholson who hit Daz Greenwood on a drop-off pass for him to power over the line.

The visitors led 22-4 at half-time but Cowling came out firing with great work from prop Daniel Spencer, who hit a gap near the line to power over.

Retiring prop Brian Vincent's hard work got Cowling going forward before he had to come off injured.

Daz Palmer and Ryan Hawkins tackled well all game but the hosts ran out of steam.