mens
Gallagher-Prime Minister
Harlequins made it back-to-back Gallagher Prems with a 31-28 triumph over Exeter at Sandy Park.
Quins showed their much improved form of late with a win they undoubtedly deserved, while last season’s beaten finalists Bosses they finish the opening block of five league games in second place from the bottom of the table.
Lucas Schmid scored two of Harlequins’ five tries, while Olly Woodburn’s late score rescued two bonus points for Exeter, who led 21-14 early in the second half.
It took just two minutes for the visitors to open the scoring when a superb 55-metre move involving George Furbank and Marcus Smith was rounded off by their counterparts England international Cadan Murley, with Smith for the conversion.
They added a second eight minutes later, beautifully orchestrated by Smith, with recalled wing Nick David, Smith’s boot making it 14-0 in a dream start for the visitors.
When the Chiefs got into dangerous positions, they often spilled the ball into touch, giving possession back to Quins.
However, once they began to correct their mistakes, they fought their way back into the game, helped by Quins conceding nine penalties in the first half.
Exeter are also bolstered by an excellent line, which was feared to be a problem before the game with internationals Dafydd Jenkins, Tom Hooper and Andrea Zambonin all injured.
Second-row Harry Wilson emerged from a catch-and-drive to score his first try for the club since his summer arrival from Saracens, with Henry Slade adding to the tally.
Harlequins then lost Welsh center Bryn Bradley to a yellow card in the 24th minute for a high challenge on Ethan Roots, but the Chiefs failed to capitalize on their one-man advantage.
Shortly after he returned, though, more Quins indiscipline saw the Chiefs put further pressure on the visitors’ line and Georgian prop Nika Abuladza slotted home his first Championship score from close range, with Slade’s conversion leveling it all at 14-14 at the interval.
The Chiefs couldn’t have started the second half any better, with Will Butt shedding a couple of tackles and running in from 35 meters for a converted try to give Exeter the lead for the first time.
The ding-dong battle continued as Stephen Varney was penalized for tackling and Quins took advantage of good field position to score a touchdown over number eight Schmid, again improved by Slade, to equalize once more.
Unlike the first period, Quins benefited from great discipline and with 13 minutes remaining, Schmid headed over in the corner for his second try of the game and their score for the bonus point, helped by a great clearance from Furbank. Smith missed the shot, but the Londoners had a five-point lead.
Winger Jack Keningham squeezed over in the corner six minutes from time to seemingly seal victory, but the Chiefs ensured they would salvage two bonus points when winger Woodburn was an unlikely scorer from close range.
