EALING Trailfinders Women lost the opening game of their inaugural Premiership Women’s Rugby campaign, losing 17-22 to Harlequins Women at the TFSC.

Tries from Liz Musgrove and Ella Amory were not enough for Trailfinders, who played with 14 following Shannon Ikahihifo’s red card.

Harlequins debutant Flo Robinson and winger Izzy Mayhew scored the tries for the away side.

Nevertheless, it was an impressive performance by Trailfinders, who kept them within reach throughout and secured an important bonus point.

Trailfinders took the lead early on as Ellie Green kicked a penalty after sustained pressure in the Quins half.

Harlequins responded with two quick-fire tries as Mayhew and Robinson crossed within minutes of each other.

The game then took a dramatic turn as Trailfinders’ flanker Ikahihifo was dismissed for a high tackle.

Trailfinders responded brilliantly, however. Fresh off a driving maul, they swiftly moved the ball out to the opposite wing and Liz Musgrove finished off in the corner.

Green slotted home the conversion and the sides went into half time at 10-12.

Trailfinders started the second half emphatically. Annabel Meta burst through the line midway into the Quins’ half, and two passes later Ella Amory scored under the posts to cap off a brilliant move. Green’s conversion gave Trailfinders a 17-12 lead.

Harlequins regained the lead shortly after, however, as Abbie Fleming bundled the ball over the line after successive phases. Laigi Tuima added the extra points.

Tuima extended the lead from the tee as Trailfinders were penalised at the breakdown.

Quins’ extra woman advantage eventually took its toll on the home side, who were not able to capitalise on some good field positions late in the half.

Trailfinders will look to bounce back next weekend at home to Saracens.