Harlequins coach Rob Powell praised his side's defensive display after they crushed Gateshead Thunder 70-0.
Thunder coach finds some positives in defeat
Harlequins coach Rob Powell praised his side's defensive display after they crushed Gateshead Thunder in the fourth round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup.
"I thought we were solid defensively though we weren't as fast as we would like to have been with the ball early on," he said.
"But we grew in confidence and I was particularly impressed with our defence which was solid right the way through.
"We were under no illusions, Gateshead had a real dig against us and I was impressed with their attitude towards the tie.
"It took us a bit of time to get through but I was pleased with the number of players we had on the scoresheet."
Effort
Despite the scoreline, Thunder coach Richard Pell was able to take plenty of positives from the match.
"I am really proud of the lads for their effort. Quins got momentum in the end and put us away but for 30 minutes we were right in it," he said.
"After the first quarter we had completed eight sets of sixes and we haven't been able to do that this season.
"The players have enjoyed the experience of playing a top-flight side. It's a bit of money into the club and hopefully we can kick on from here.
"You can never be happy with a 70-0 defeat but the way we contained Harlequins at the start was pleasing to see."
