Harlequins managed to break London rival Saracens’ winning streak, as they came away with a 20 - 14 victory.
This was also the first win of the season for Harlequins, who have previously suffered defeat at the hands of Bath and the Leicester Tigers - a victory made sweeter as it was on home turf at The Stoop.
Marcus Smith's returning game
Marcus Smith shone in his first match for Quins since returning from the British and Irish Lions tour down under, opening the match’s score by running in the first try, after a spectacular dummy.
The London rivals both had something to prove, as the ball flew between the two sides in a first half dominated by kicking, with an average of a kick a minute.
However, this played into Smith’s hands - or rather feet - with his pinpoint boot and impressive variety and come half time Smith’s three points from a penalty kick were the only things that separated the two, as the score read 10 - 7.
Smith was not the only returning Lion, as Saracens welcomed back Owen Farrell, who led the charge of the visitors at inside-centre.
With some impressive offloads and targeted cross-field kicks, Farrell was able to set up Sarries’ first try with a great offload to Lucio Cinti before he effortlessly linked up to Fergus Burke to finish the job and add the visitor’s first points to the board.
Once they established their lead, Harlequins were strong in maintaining their dominance, powering into the second half with a try in under a minute from Tyrone Green.
They continued this control of the game into the scrums, where they consistently overpowered Saracens and forced penalties.
Saracens' closing comeback
However, Saracens were not to be underestimated, as they threatened a comeback in the closing quarter, after Ben Earl crossed the whitewash in the corner, bringing them within 3 points of the leading Harlequins with 15 minutes to go.
The game was the most exciting as the clock ticked ever closer to 80 minutes, as Harlequins were nearly able to extend their lead further as prop Boris motored over the line, but the try was disallowed due to double movement.
However, Harlequins were able to add some last minute points, as Smith slotted in his second penalty just as the full time whistle blew in, heralding Harlequins first win of the season - and Smith as Player of the Match.
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