Premiership Rugby Cup: Saracens edge out Harlequins in thrilling London derby, big win for Leicester Tigers v Coventry
Published 15/02/2025 at 19:33 GMT
Saracens were victorious over Harlequins, in what is their final match in the competition this season. This epic victory was not enough for Sarries to advance into the quarter-finals, as Ealing Trailfinders progressed into the last eight. Gloucester are second in the ranking of best second-placed teams with their win over Exeter Chiefs. Leicester sit third in that ranking after beating Coventry.
Saracens’ Elliott runs in 80-metre intercept try in thrilling Prem Rugby Cup clash with Quins
Video credit: TNT Sports
Saracens edged out Harlequins with a thrilling 30-29 victory in a Premiership Rugby Cup London derby at The Stoop, but it was not enough to progress in the competition.
Tobias Elliott led the way with two tries, while Max Eke and Jack Bracken also crossed over for Joe Shaw's side.
However, the victory was not enough to break into the top two in a keenly contested Pool C, as Quins won the group and second-place Ealing Trailfinders go through as one of the three best runners-up.
George Hammond got the hosts off to a superb start when he darted over the line, but Sarries replied in a scintillating opening quarter of an hour when Elliott fed in Brandon Jackson to restore parity at 5-5.
Stephan Lewies would ensure Quins would seize the advantage for the first time in the contest, before Leigh Halfpenny added the additional two points with the conversion.
Louie Johnson reduced the deficit to 12-8 with a penalty, before Alex Dombrandt moved Quins further in front on his 150th appearance for the club following a surging run down the wing.
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Jackson finishes off slick move as Saracens respond immediately to early Harlequins try
Video credit: TNT Sports
With Halfpenny on hand once again to add the two extra points, it moved the hosts 19-8 in front before Eke successfully crossed over from close range for the visitors to reduce the deficit to 19-13.
Shaw's young side were left with plenty of work to do in a bid to claw their way back into the match, and they did just that five minutes into the second half.
Elliott brought the visitors to within one of Quins at 19-18 with a stunning solo effort, and Johnson added the extras to give them a 19-20 lead.
However, the momentum shifted back in favour of Quins when Dombrandt quickly played in Tyrone Green for a bonus-point try.
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But this Sarries side showed their mettle and brought Quins' lead back to one when Bracken went over in the corner and Johnson added the extra two points.
It looked like Quins may have taken the victory at the end of this absorbing contest when Jarrod Evans converted a penalty to move the hosts into a 29-27 lead with 74 minutes on the clock.
But it was Johnson who had the final say in this thrilling match when he converted a penalty three minutes later, sealing a win by the finest of margins.
The other result in Pool C saw Ealing Trailfinders claim a 35-15 victory over London Scottish to seal second spot and safe passage into the quarter-finals.
Elsewhere, Leicester Tigers dismantled Coventry with a 68-26 win, with Will Wand and Josh Bassett both scoring two tries each.
Gloucester overcame Exeter Chiefs in a 22-14 win, with Louis Hillman-Cooper and Jack Cotgreave both scoring tries. The other result in the pool saw Cornish Pirates beat Hartpury 43-7.
Bristol Bears beat Bath 40-21, with Fitz Harding, Ratu Naulago, Viliame Mata, Harry Byrne, Harry Rowson, and Sam Wolstenholme all crossing over for the Bears.
Attention turns to Pool A on Sunday in the all-Premiership clash between Sale and Newcastle, which comes after a 48-0 win for Doncaster in a dead-rubber match against Caldy.
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