Before we could start looking forward to the extra game or games there was a tricky game against Newcastle to be negotiated. At Christmas this game would have been seen as a five point home banker, but in recent months the Falcons have really turned it around, especially with away wins against Northampton and Sale, both places that Quins failed to get any points, so they could no longer be taken than anything other than very seriously.

Going into this game Harlequins knew that a four try win would guarantee the all important home draw, and they set out their stall early with Mike Brown driving kickable penalties deep into Newcastle territory and Danny Care taking quick taps causing chaos in the Falcons defence. Indeed it was one of these tap and goes only seven minutes into the game the put Danny through the first line of tacklers, he then off loaded to Nick Easter who was caught just short of the line, but he wasn’t held so regained his footing and drove over from close range.

Nick Easter also scored the second try only nine minutes later. Some excellent work from Waisea Luveniyali, who’s dancing feet, deft hands, and superb lines often left Newcastle chasing shadows, put Nick into some space, which allowed him to build up a head of steam before driving his attempted tacklers back over their own try line with him.

The third try came on the twentieth minute of the first half. After repeated attacks in the Newcastle’s twenty two, the Falcons defence started to become stretched. Waisea Luveniyali spotted the possible over lap on the blind side and made a run around the back of a ruck. Danny Care read his intentions and made the pass, from that moment on all that was required was a delayed pass to draw in the tacklers and Tani Fuga was put over unopposed for possibly one of his easier finishes at the Stoop.

We then had to wait a further nine minutes for the bonus point try, which Mike Brown provided. It could have come even sooner if the same Mike Brown had not dropped the ball whilst diving over the Newcastle line. But he made amends very quickly reaching out to place down after yet more Harelquins pressure.

So, job done in twenty nine minutes. Twenty six nil up and bonus point in the bag. All we need now was not to throw it all away in the remaining  fifty one. Understandably, there was a noticeable relaxing in both the stand and on the pitch, from which Newcastle benefited. For the first time in the match they managed to run the ball over the half way line and continued to make ground and retain procession and eventually Parling crossed for the try. Now if there are doubts about the actual grounding of the ball they were of no consequence as Quins emphatically slammed the door on a possible Newcastle come back with a try just before half time.

Newcastle took the ball into contact just inside Harlequins half and were promptly turned over. Swift hands, particularly from Jordan Turner Hall, who released Monye just before the tackle, put Ugo into space and Harlequins latest British Lions had talent and pace to spare.

All that was left for the first half was a Mike Ross trundle towards the post that seemed to last forever, but he was eventually hauled down just short and he was unable to break his three year try duck.

For almost the entire first half this was Quins at their very best. Newcastle had no answer to the pace and precision the home side put on the ball. Allied to some outstanding handling from both backs and forwards, together with a clear edge at the breakdown and the set scrum Harlequins were worth every point of their twenty four lead.

The second half was so completely different that it could almost have been another sport. Harlequins never look like surrendering the lead and only the eagle eyed referee prevented them from adding to it. But this was very much a cruise control exercise with bigger matches on the horizon.

On top of this Ugo’s replacement, Ugo was apparently taken off as a precaution, Seb Stegman, was himself taken off with a far more serious looking injury. This was a real shame as once again he was showing  what a hugely promising player he is and one can only hope that he will be fit enough to take part in the Under 20 World Cup in Japan. His replacement, De Wet Barry, also had to be removed with a hamstring tweak and Quins ended the match with number eight Tom Guest on the wing. Although he certainly held his own out in the wide spaces. In addition Waisea Luveniyali went of with what we hope is a minor knock, so Gommers came on and Danny Care tried his hand, not unsuccessfully, at fly half. The final injury replacement was Jim Evans taking George Robson’s spot. Hopefully all these players will be able to take advantage of the week off, to regain full fitness.

Newcastle had the final word in the match scoring a consolation try by Hall-Charlton at the death. But in truth this game had been over for quite some time and most people watching and some playing clearly had switched their minds to matches to come.

If Harlequins can reproduce the opening thirty minutes in the play offs then Irish will find us hard to live with. But I can’t help thinking that Newcastle’s hearts were never really in this match as they had nothing to play for and not too many supporters to impress, perhaps Bates should have told them that Brian Smith, John Wells and Graham Rowntree were all watching from the stand? But at the end of the day you can only beat the team in front of you, and Quins did this quickly with plenty of petrol left in the tank.

Now on to the knock out, business end of the competition.

My Man Of The Match: Waisea Luveniyali

Moment Of Match: Mike Ross Tries To Break His Duck

Try Of The Match: Tani Fuga Strolling Over Untouched

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