Powell powers over to take Quins home

PLAYMAKER Kayleigh Powell powered past four defenders to score the eighth Harlequins try and narrowly edge out a spirited Trailfinders side to secure a late comeback win in a 15-try derby thriller.

- LUKE JARMYN

The win is Quins ninth on the spin and gives the Middlesex side a seven-point margin at the top of the PWR standings over Exeter Chiefs - who are on a bye week.

Alongside Powell's double, loosehead Silvia Turani, outside-centre Clàudia Peña, skipper Jade Konkel, full-back Ellie Kildunne, hooker Connie Powell and replacement Carys Phillips all crossed the whitewash for Ross Chisholm's outfit at Vallis Way.

Despite Trailfinders' fans bracing the cold to produce their highest attendance this season as part of 'The Takeoff 2', it was Quins who found their wings first, getting deep into the home side's red zone before Turani produced a great led driver to power over right of the posts.

Within eight minutes the Twickenham side doubled their lead to 14-nil when 20-year-old Peña wriggled over to score on only her third game after several pick-and-goes.