Bring it home boys (From Sutton Guardian)

Harlequins young guns are preparing to do more than just win a trophy

3:37pm Friday 15th March 2013 in Harlequins By Tim Ashton

Harlequins director of rugby Conor O’Shea claimed his young guns are going into this weekend’s LV= Cup final to do more than win silverware.

After a thrilling 31-23 semi-final win over Bath at the Stoop on Saturday, Quins face Sale Sharks in Sunday’s showpiece at Worcester’s Sixways ground.

His young charges – 16 of the squad that beat Bath were under 23 as well as being part of the victorious Aviva A League side – may have a wealth of experience, but they know a good LV= Cup display will send out a significant message.

O’Shea said: “The younger players are putting down a marker to their more senior colleagues.

“For example, Tom Casson and George Lowe, in the centre, were excellent and put down a huge marker to Jordan Turner-Hall and Matt Hopper.

“The competition between those guys is incredible and it comes out on the training pitch as well as in matches.

“And the games are coming thick and fast. We have the trips to Saracens and Gloucester within five days of each other and so we need everyone to contribute to the run-in.”

Tom Williams (two), Tom Guest and Karl Dickson got the tries, while Ben Botica added 11 points with the boot to see off Bath for the second time in the competition, having beaten them in the pool stages in November.

O’Shea said: “We were delighted with the attitude of the players against what we knew would be a tough Bath side. But we need to back it up now, we’ve won nothing.

“We’ve got to a final and we’re looking for a performance of the same level. If you win, great, if you lose, there is nothing more you can do.

“We want the guys to get out there and put on the park what they are about and see where it takes them.”