Risky Wood gives Quins win

13 April 2012

You could imagine Keith Wood, television pundit and

presenter, exposing the folly of the captain who, in the early stages of the most crucial match in his club's history, opts for a try-scoring position over an easy penalty kick at goal.

But Keith Wood, the captain in question, chose the high road of high risk and high reward, and proved in that seventh-minute decision his inestimable worth to Harlequins, who went on to beat Newcastle 33-19.

Garrick Morgan would have 'taken' the three points while Jason Leonard would not have thought twice about pointing at the goalposts. Both have skippered Quins this season.

Mark Evans, chief executive and coach, smoking like a beagle at the back of the stand, would have made the same decision. 'I'm pretty cautious,' he said.

But Wood gambled and seven points were secured from a line-out drive and conversion. The Irishman took the same course of action in the second half and came away with a fourth try and a bonus point which took the London club above Leeds in the Zurich Premiership.

If Wood had done nothing else against Newcastle - and, in truth, he looked like a man playing his first game for three months - then he would have earned his considerable keep.

Evans said: 'This morning we were the worst team in the league. Now we are the worst but one.'

The spectre of relegation will not lift from The Stoop until that can be said at the conclusion of the competition. Their only remaining home game, against Leeds Tykes on May 3, however, has all the hallmarks of a decider.

Failing to survive would have catastrophic consequences, as Evans acknowledged. 'If we were to go down there would have to be a radical and savage restructuring which would affect all elements of the club,' he said. 'It wouldn't be very pleasant for anyone.

'Our income would halve, so would our turnover. You are talking about several millions of pounds.'

Several hundred pounds of prime rugby flesh would have to leave given that slashing the wage bill in such circumstances is a prerequisite. Wood, England wing Dan Luger, dropped by Quins at the weekend, and Will Greenwood would represent unaffordable luxuries.

'Would the chief executive sack the head c o a ch ?' someone asked, a reference to a recent doubling up of jobs by Evans.

'I would offer my resignation and turn it down,' Evans replied.

Joking came easily after a victory over a side who have lost their way and may yet miss out on European rugby.

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