Skinner: Quins will bounce back

7:08am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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Harlequins will learn the lessons of their final-day defeat by reaching next season's Guinness Premiership play-offs, says Will Skinner.

The 24-year-old scored a try and dropped another over the line in Saturday's 31-28 defeat at Leicester Tigers.

Tom Varndell's try three minutes means Quins are relying on Bath to beat Worcester Warriors in the European Challenge Cup final if they are to reach next season's Heineken Cup.

But, with nine Quins players selected for England duty this week, Skinner believes the side are ready to break into the domestic game's top four.

"We have shown the standards needed to compete at the top level," he said. "We came within touching distance of making it a great year.

"We want to improve on that now. We have got a young squad we have grown up massively over the past three months.

"Getting into the Heineken Cup again is hugely important as it gives guys experience of playing close to Test level rugby.

"Nine players touring with England shows we are a force to be reckoned with in all areas and can only be good for our development."

Tom Williams (two) and Mike Brown got Quins' other tries at Welford Road but, with London Irish beating Sale, only two late Tigers tries denied them a top-four finish.

"I said to friends a long time ago that I wouldnt be surprised if it all came down to Leicester but it is an experience we can learn from," Skinner added.

"We played well and with results going our way it made it even more disappointing."