Round 22
Harlequins 24 l. St Helens 44

2009 engage English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

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

Puletua shines in Saints first half onslaught
Sun July 26, 2009
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

Tony Puletua grabbed a brace of tries as St Helens stretched their lead at the top of the engage Super League table by ruthlessly defeating Harlequins.

Puletua crossed twice in the first half as Saints ran in six tries before the interval, and two more after the break in a dominant display.

For Harlequins it is a sixth successive defeat which leaves their play-off hopes in severe jeopardy.

The Saints were on the offensive right from the off, and signalled their intentions inside the opening five minutes when Tom Armstrong rounded off a flowing move in the corner to open the scoring.

Quins held their own for the opening quarter of an hour, providing some stiff defence but precious little in attack.

The visitors needed to score again to open up the home side and it came from Puletua who barged over after good work by James Graham.

It was Graham who was next to cross, profiting from a superbly-executed 40/20 kick from Leon Pryce to bulldoze over.

Saints were going through the gears and the hosts were found severely wanting, with three more tries to come in the first half alone.

Kyle Eastmond helped himself to the next try, feasting on a break by Pryce that saw the rangy stand-off held just short.

As the Londoners' heads dropped Saints kept up the momentum, and Puletua and Pryce ran in further scores before the interval.

The hosts finally showed some signs of life after the break, forwards Gareth Haggerty and Chad Robinson showing their strength to crash over.

But these tries sandwiched a further Saints effort after Chris Dean scorched over in the corner.

The visitors showed no signs of letting up and Jon Wilkin was the next to add his name to the tally.

Quins rallied late on with tries from Danny Ward and Matt Gafa but it was too little too late.


Harlequins given boost ahead of Saints
Sat July 25, 2009
Source: www.quins.co.uk

Harlequins have received a boost ahead of Saturday's match against St Helens, with several key players set to return from injury.

Luke Dorn, Danny Orr and Chad Randall have all been named in Brian McDermott's 19 man squad ahead of the match against the Super League leaders.

Orr and Randall both missed last weekend's match against Catalans Dragons with knee injuries, whilst Dorn fractured his fibula during his side's victory against Celtic Crusaders in early June.

The 27-year-old halfback has nine tries and nine assists to his name this season, and is confident he can strengthen his side's attack and help bring a return to winning ways.

"Attack is a big part of my game and I'm looking forward to coming back into the side to help the boys out, chip in with some assists and help us over the line for a few more tries."

Saturday's game has been dubbed 'Down Under Day' by Harlequins as they celebrate all things Antipodean in the capital. Australian born Dorn cannot wait for his return.

"I'm excited about getting back on the field; I feel like an 18-year-old about to make his debut, running around everywhere trying to get my hands on the ball.

"Rugby League is the number one sport in much of Australia and there are so many Australians in London who know the game and are ready made fans."

The 19 man squad in full:

Tony Clubb, Luke Dorn, Ryan Esders, Matt Gafa, Luke Gale, Jason Golden, Gareth Haggerty, Ben Kaye, Joe Mbu, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Chris Melling, Danny Orr, Chad Randall, Chad Robinson, Will Sharp, Karl Temata, Danny Ward, Jon Wells, Luke Williamson.

Tickets are still available from only 15 adults, 5 children. Call 0871 527 1315 or book online at www.quins.co.uk

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