Quins secure play-off spot in ten-try thriller

HARLEQUINS – looking in all sorts of grief earlier this season – clinched their place in the play-offs with yet another spectacular victory which underlined their box office reputation.

- BRENDAN GALLAGHER

It’s been a remarkable turnaround, hugely entertaining to watch, and this win was the start of a massive weekend for the club with their women’s side contesting the Premier 15s final against Saracens this afternoon.

It wasn’t a flawless afternoon – they are still conceding too many tries for comfort and Marcus Smith enjoyed a thoroughly miserable afternoon off the tee – but they have X-factor players and a scrum that can match any in the Premiership.

Joe Marler – focussed and disciplined – again anchored a mighty effort from their pack.

A noisy 4,000-strong crowd got the adrenaline flowing, so much so that Smith blasted the kick-off directly into touch and the action never lost that energy and frenzy.

Quins were the first out of the blocks with the impressive Jack Kenningham blasting his way over from short range. After Smith and Rhys Priestland swapped penalties Quins swooped for a second try, a brilliant opportunist effort after Max Clark had threatened at the other end.

Bath failed to recycle the ball properly and Joe Marchant and Tom Lawday attacked down the left to send Danny Care sprinting home.