Harlequins ended Saracens’ five-game successful streak within the London derby, with their stout defence key to a 17-10 victory.
Sarries dominated possession and territory, particularly within the first half, however Quins held on and crucially went in entrance throughout their first enterprise contained in the opposition 22 due to Fin Baxter’s close-range attempt.
The guests, who got here into the sport with three straight victories, could have been delay their stride by Andy Christie being stretchered off early within the match, however bought degree when Hugh Tizard dived over following a high-quality driving run from Tom Willis.
The parity lasted lower than three minutes till Marcus Smith arrange Will Porter to cross vast for Lennox Anyanwu to race over the road.
The win is Quins’ second of the season of their fourth match and lifts them to sixth place, whereas Saracens keep second.
Speaking Level – Quins present new metal
It was one of many nice rearguard efforts from Quins who produced 230 tackles within the match, at a 90% success mark. Extremely, Jack Kenningham (26) and Irne Herbst (24) mixed to succeed in a half-century of tackles on the day, with six of the highest seven accumulators from the house aspect.
Head coach Danny Wilson described the sport as having a Check match really feel and Saracens had been definitely made to work for each inch gained after they ventured contained in the 22. Famend for his or her flamboyant play, which noticed them thrillingly win in Bordeaux in final yr’s European Cup semi-final, Quins demonstrated a resilience which might solely bode properly for the enterprise finish of this season.
Participant of the Match – Fin Baxter (Harlequins)
The entire pack deserve monumental credit score, however Baxter was the person who our pundits plumped for as the perfect man on the sector. He racked up the third highest variety of Quins tackles with 16, but additionally impressed in assault, serving to to drive his aspect ahead and make the most of their forays contained in the opposition half.
“He appears like an entire participant,” Ugo Monye stated on TNT Sports activities.
Participant Rankings
Harlequins: Halfpenny 7, David 7, Beard 6, Anyanwu 7, Murley 7, Smith 8, Porter 7; Baxter 9*, Walker 7, Lamositele 7, Herbst 8, Lewies 7, Lamb-Cona 7, Kenningham 8, Chisholm 7. Replacements: Jibulu 7, Marler 6, Launchbury 6, Cunningham-South 6, Evans 6, Evans 6.
Saracens: Goode 7, Elliott 6, Lozowski 6, Tompkins 6, Daly 6, Burke 6, Van Zyl 6; Carre 6, George 6, Riccioni 6, Itoje 7, Isiekwe 7, Gonzalez 6, Christie 6, Earl 6. Replacements: Dan 6, Mawi 7, Clarey 6, Tizard 7, Willis 8, Simpson 6, Cinti 6.
Match Highlights
5′ TRY! Harlequins 5-0 Saracens (Baxter): Lastly there’s a breakthrough and it’s from Harlequins of their first go to contained in the 22. It’s Baxter who forces his method over from a metre out.
49′ TRY! Harlequins 7-5 Saracens (Tizard): The harm was brought on by Willis’ carry to the brink after which Tizard cleverly goes over Chisholm’s arms and touches over the road.
53′ TRY! Harlequins 12-7 Saracens (Anyanwu): Smith with the essential line break after which Porter passes vast to Anyanwu who races over the road.
Key Stat
- 63 – The share of time the ball was in Harlequins’ half
