Harlequins make winning start to European Cup campaign

CORK HARLEQUINS made a winning start to the European Cup Winners’ Trophy tournament in Vienna yesterday, beating Swiss club Olten 2-0 in their opening game.

Harlequins dominated from the start and found the net midway through the first half, when Mark and Jason Black combined to release David Lombard down the line. When Lombard crossed, David Egner was on hand to touch home the goal that gave Quins the lead. The Cork side created several clear-cut chances and hit the bar just before the break.

Within minutes of the resumption, Quins had doubled their lead, when David Eakins picked up a cross from the right in front of goal, spun free and beat the keeper with a terrific shot. Quins dominated the rest of the game and a greater winning margin wouldn’t have flattered them. The good news for Harlequins is that Wesley Bateman and John Aherne, the two injury worries in the side, came through the game with flying colours, giving manager Donal Kingston a full-strength panel to choose from for the clash with Gibraltar side Collegians this afternoon.

Kingston’s men can face today’s game with confidence, as they’ll be aware that Scottish kingpins Kelburne gave Collegians a 9-0 drubbing. That scoreline may give Quins a boost, but they will also be mindful of the need to maintain a healthy goal difference ahead of their crunch game with the Scots on Monday, and they’re unlikely to spare their Mediterranean opponents if they get the chance.

However the rest of the weekend pans out, it has already been a historic tournament for Harlequins, as yesterday’s victory was their first win in

Europe. The club did not register a win in their two previous sorties in European competition.

The good news continued for Ireland in the ladies’ tournament. Northern Ireland side Pegasus had a good win, defeating home side Akademishcer of Austria 5-1, and they face Viktor Smokevichi of Belarus this afternoon in their next game. Their final game tomorrow is against Lorenzoni of Italy.