Howe marks birthday with try double for Quins against Topsham

In what were ideal conditions both teams opted for open running rugby, with the Quins starting the stronger, and, within five minutes centre Ben Pratt carved through the defence before feeding winger James Leat who stepped inside the Tops full-back to score. Jevon Astley-Jones slotted the conversion and Quins held an early 7-0 lead.

Within minutes of the re-start flanker Adam Howe broke away from the back of a ruck and made ground down field.

Once the ball reached Ben Salter there was going to be no stopping the centre and he duly rumbled over in the corner.

The flying start seemed to have an adverse effect on the Quins who appeared to lose concentration and began to give away too many penalties, allowing the visitors territory which finally resulted in a try out wide.

Next up the Topsham full-back showed good pace and his try was duly converted.

Quins responded and, after cleanly winning a Topsham line-out ball, a flat pass to Jevon Astley-Jones put him on a mazy 50-metre run that saw him glide his way over the whitewash to send Quins into the break with a 19-12 lead.

The second half produced 40 minutes of end-to-end play with plenty of good approach play, but many promising raids came to a premature end with the final pass being missed or delayed.

Both sides scored tries. First up Sidmouth number eight Jason Stephens was on hand to carry the ball the final metre after a forward drive, but that was countered by the Tops with a similar try.

The Quins Man of the Match Adam Howe marked his birthday with a brace of tries and in each he showed both his pace and determination to get over the try line.

One of the tries was converted to seal victory for the Quins.

The Tops had the final say with a slick try from their number eight.

This weekend the Quins entertain Merit Table leaders Barnstaple, and will have to improve their discipline, as the three yellow cards received in the meeting with Topsham, will certainly be punished.