Both sides sought to play running, attacking rugby. All too often those intentions were halted by unforced errors, forward passes and poor handling. It was defensive error that led to the first score only five minutes onto the match. Tigers exploited a gap that opened in the centre of the defensive line for Forsyth to go through and race across under the posts. Ford added the simple conversion and the visitors led 0 – 7.  It was a lead they never lost.

A penalty on the Tigers twenty-two, following a good attack as Wallace gathered a chip from Clegg and threatened to break clear, allowed Clegg an easy three points from a successful kick at goal to narrow the gap.  Determined defence on both sides prevented further additions to the score in the first half, although Tigers had looked the more dangerous and only solid tackling and hard work at the breakdown kept them out. 

Harlequins had one chance at a score just before the interval when a kick through gave Chisholm an opportunity to chase for the touchdown, but he lost the race.

Ten minutes into the second half, a penalty at a scrum allowed Clegg to slot a further penalty and bring Quins to within a point.  Hopes were further raised when a few minutes later Ford missed a kickable penalty for the visitors. The Tigers’ wing, Lewington, at speed along his wing, kicked ahead and rounded Chisholm to gather and score in the corner. The conversion attempt failed but the lead was now 6 – 12.

A further penalty kick from Clegg reduced the arrears to 9 – 12 before Tigers struck again. A determined attack took play into the Quins twenty-two and rapid movement of the ball created an overlap to allow Pienaar to cross for the Tigers’ third try. For added the extras.

Harlequins attempted to respond and Will Collier was stopped a foot from the line and further attempts from the forwards were similarly frustrated and as time ran out even a yellow card for George Ford did not help Quins’ cause.  Clegg had the opportunity to salvage a losing bonus point but his kick missed its target and the match ended.  So too did Quins hopes of further progress in this competition.  

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