Round 1
Harlequins 28 l. Wigan Warriors 47

2008 engage English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

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

Record crowds at The Stoop
Tue February 12, 2008
Source: www.quins.co.uk

Harlequins Rugby League enjoyed a record attendance on Saturday at The Stoop, with 8,041 spectators turning out for the club's home opener against the Wigan Warriors.

For the first time in Harlequins Rugby League's history the Etihad (East) Stand was sold out as well as the North Stand, that remained unused during 2007, being two-thirds full.

While Harlequins fans made up for the majority of those present, there were around 2,300 Wigan Warriors supporters who helped to create a fantastic atmosphere at The Stoop. For many Londoners attending it was their first game of live Rugby League and as well as the fantastic on-pitch entertainment they were exposed to, the way in which the two groups of supporters interacted together was a great advertisement for the sport.

Paul Brown, Harlequins Rugby League Chief Executive Officer, attributes the record number of spectators to a combination of factors, saying: "Firstly, we have the RFL to thank for such a great opening fixture. A club like the Wigan Warriors will always generate a lot of interest and they have a fantastic band of supporters that were wonderful in travelling down to London to support their team.

"Our community team also played an instrumental role in the attendance we had at the weekend. They had record numbers of tickets requested by the various schools they work with across London. It was a testament to the hard work they put into developing Rugby League in London and The South."

Harlequins Rugby League Commercial Manager Greg Whitaker has said: "Saturday's attendance has been very positive for the club on a number of levels. In terms of ticket sales, pre-sales put us in a good position for a record crowd and the number of walk-ups on the day ensured we achieved that.

"Having such a great number of spectators in the stadium also meant that programme and merchandise sales reached record numbers. The new Away shirt that was showcased by the first team for the game was very well received and was the Quins shop's biggest seller on the day. They went very close to selling out."

Harlequins Rugby League are now looking forward to their next home fixture on 23 February against the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. It is set to be another exciting event with the Harlequins Rugby League Reserves, weather permitting, expected to play their first curtain raiser of the season.

The game will be broadcast live on Sky and kicks off at 5.30pm. Tickets are available from as little as 10 for adults/OAP's and 5 for juniors/students. For more ticketing information visit the Quins website www.quins.co.uk or call the Ticket Office on 0208 410 6000.

News sent by: www.quins.co.uk


Wigan run riot to defeat Harlequins in great comeback
Sun February 10, 2008
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

Wigan Warriors avoided a shock opening-day defeat in London thanks to a memorable five-try second half comeback as Brian Noble's men ran riot to take a 47-28 win over Harlequins at the Stoop.

Down by 12 points just after the break - tries from Iafeta Paleaaesina, Richard Mathers, Darrell Goulding, Harrison Hansen and Michael McIlorum in the final half hour sealed the unlikely engage Super League win.

Winger Pat Richards produced a near-faultless kicking display, landing nine goals for the Warriors, while Trent Barrett scored a second-half drop goal.

Quins got off to the best possible start when Matt Gafa went over in the corner in the third minute after capitalising on Sean O'Loughlin's misplaced pass. Wigan replied quickly when Goulding scored after good work from Barrett and debutant Mathers. Pat Richards converted to give Wigan a six point lead.

Wigan extended their advantage through two super penalties converted by Richards after sloppy work by Quins.

The home side bounced back with a try under the posts by Mark McLinden after a dancing run, while substitute Michael McIlorum restored Wigan's lead, forcing his way through the Quins defence five minutes before half-time.

In a see-saw first half, Quins drew level through Scott Hill after Gafa's grubber kick, which Paul converted to take the teams in level at the break.

The second half started very differently as Quins' playmaker Paul scored and converted his own try after only three minutes and this was quickly followed by Gafa's second try ? leaving Harlequins firmly in control.

But in a period of just eight minutes, Wigan turned the game on its head thanks to tries by Hansen, Goulding's second and a powerful score from prop Iafeta Paleaaesina.

Mathers added another in the final minute, while minutes earlier McIlorum touched down for his second of the game.

Report source: www.superleague.co.uk

Article: No blame from McDermott

Sat February 9, 2008
• Harlequins Rugby League anticipate record crowds
  

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