So'oialo back to lift Quins
Steve So'oialo scored two tries on his return from the World Cup, as Harlequins overcame Bristol 24-18
By Phil Jackson
Last Updated: 06/10/07 7:00pm
Steve So'oialo scored two tries on his return from the World Cup, as Harlequins overcame Bristol 24-18 at The Stoop.
The Samoan scrum-half went over the line either side of half-time, with Simon Keogh scoring in between, for Quins' third Guinness Premiership win of the campaign.
Chris Malone also added a drop-goal and three conversions, as the Londoners kept up the pressure on the early-season leaders following their victories over Leeds and London Irish.
Impact
Quins dominated the opening exchanges and were rewarded with a try on the quarter hour mark, when their pack drove in field from a line-out, allowing So'oialo to dart in.
Josh Taumolo's midfield break and pass for David Lemi to burst over on the left got the visitors back into the game.
However, Malone responded with a pinpoint cross-kick that found Tom Guest, who then put winger Keogh away on a 20-metre sprint to the line.
The Australian fly-half added a second conversion and a 33rd minute drop goal to extend the hosts' lead.
But David Hill kicked a penalty three minutes before the interval to keep the visitors in the game at 17-8 down.
Record
A reshuffle at half-time saw Jason Strange move to fly-half, with Hill switching to full-back, but Bristol still found themselves punished 15 minutes in.
Strange had added a penalty to keep his side in the game, but England Under 20's centre Jordan Turner-Hall came up with an interception on his own 22 and made it to within five metres of the line before offloading to So'oialo.
The Samoan made no mistake, and Malone kicked the extras as Harlequins went 13 points clear.
Tom Arscott scored a late consolation try to set nerves jangling at The Stoop - but Quins held on to maintain their unbeaten run at home in 2007.
