By Alanquin
May 19 2014
Harlequins' chance of another tilt at the Premiership trophy at a Twickenham final came to an end at Allianz Park as, after leading 11 - 17 at the interval, they were unable to add to their tally and lost eventually 31 -17 ..
A determined effort during the first half had kept Saracens in check and after Evans and Farrell had exchanged penalties and the latter had added a second for a 6 – 3 lead, before two yellow cards reduced Saracens to thirteen men. Quins were immediately on the attack and a fine pass from Nick Evans found Monye in space and the winger needed no second invitation to put Quins into the lead. Evans added the conversion.
A try from Kelly Brown and Farrell’s conversion wiped out Harlequins’ lead until the last seconds of the first half when a loose ball was hacked ahead by Robshaw and Mike Brown won the race for the try> The last kick of the half was Evans’ excellent conversion kick.
Saracens returned to full strength and with increased determination soon regained the lead. Tries from Barritt and Ashton both converted by Farrell who also added two penalties after having missed with several attempts ensured the victory. Injuries soon forced Quins to gradually empty their replacements bench and as the season ended for Harlequins, supporters had their last sight of Tom Guest, Sam Smith and Tim Molenaar in the quartered shirt.
Saracens A Goode; C Ashton, M Bosch, B Barritt, D Strettle (C Wyles 59); O Farrell (C Hodgson 74), N de Kock (R Wigglesworth 51); M Vunipola (R Barrington 67), S Brits (J George 74), M Stevens (J Johnston 66), S Borthwick (capt, E Sheriff 69), A Hargreaves, K Brown, J Burger (Johnston 34-40, J Wray 60), B Vunipola.
Harlequins M Brown (K Dickson 67); T Williams (S Smith 59), T Molenaar (B Botica 61), J Turner-Hall, U Monye (R Buchanan 67); N Evans, D Care; J Marler (M Lambert 74), D Ward, K Sinckler (W Collier 65), C Matthews (N Kennedy 74), G Robson, L Wallace (T Guest 58), C Robshaw (capt), N Easter.
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