IT'S THE play-offs or bust for Ugo Monye, writes Julian Easterbrook.

The Harlequins star will settle for nothing less than the top four and a place in the Guinness Premiership's end-of-season lottery.

Quins took one step closer to the promised land with Saturday's 14-9 win at London Irish, their first back-to-back league win since September.

And Monye said: "Top six isn't really good enough for this set of players.

"We started the season well, but a couple of poor league results around November and December time let us down.

"Everyone in that top seven at the moment wants to finish in the top four, and we are definitely one of the main contenders."

Monye knew it would not be easy against Irish, games against whom are usually tight affairs.

Indeed, it was the first time this season Quins have failed to score a try, and Monye gave credit for the win to their defence.

He said: "The last team that came here were Gloucester and they had 42 points put on them - and they're leading the Premiership!

"Away victories are very tough, but to come to London Irish in a local derby and beat them, we are immensely proud of ourselves.

"It's a tough place to come, and they are not second in the Premiership because of some fluke. "If you look at the recent history of Quins at London Irish, they are never thrillers. Both sides can play great rugby, but when they collide it's hard to get that sparkle despite the talented players on view.

"I thought our pack was outstanding, and whist our attack failed, our defence won us the game."

But Monye, who was returning from an injury sustained against Llanelli, is also focused on winning back his England place.

He added: "My injury couldn't have come at any worse time - just a week before the training camp in Portugal.

"But at one time I didn't think that I would be playing rugby again for six or seven weeks, so to be back playing in three weeks, I'm actually thrilled.

"You are always disappointed when you don't get a chance to play for your country, but when you put things into perspective, I'm just happy to be fit right now."

* FOLLOWING last week's postponed game with Bradford Bulls, Harlequins Rugby League finally got their Super League season off to a winning start on Sunday.

Luke Dorn bagged two tries against his former club as Quins won a low-scoring game 12-8 at Castleford Tigers.

Head coach Brian McDermott said: "For a first game, it's probably not the most skillful game you'll see. But we came here to win, and that's what we did."

Quins take a break from Super League action on Sunday when they host Australian side Manly Sea Eagles in a friendly.