Sunday
was a sensational game at Sandy Park as the Harlequins travelled down
to face the ferocious Exeter Chiefs. The Quins knew they had to
secure the win away to be in with a chance of qualifying in the Aviva
Premiership play-offs. The dynamic of the Exeter Chiefs shone
through, as their physicality and creativity saw them take a 16-5
lead at half time. But the Quins craftily carved their way back into
the game, scoring 25 points alone in the second half - remarkable!
All down to the bruising and brutal work rate from the likes of Dave
Ward and the forwards, burgeoning and battering the barrier that was
the Exeter defence. Eventually the Chiefs succumbed to what was such
a narrow, 29-30 defeat.
Quins Director of Rugby Conor O’Shea said
after the game:
“
It
was a rollercoaster, but I cannot credit this team enough for the
belief….and the belief that will course through our players now for
the “winner takes all” …we are very excited.”
A
traumatic loss for the home side, with their hopes of a European
position taken - but now all eyes are on the Stoop. It will be a
killer game as the Harlequins welcome their biggest rivals - 4th
placed Bath. Start the car Quins!!
Friday
night saw Bath welcome Northampton Saints to the Rec. It was a
tremendous test between the two sides and it was all to play for as
the Northampton Saints had their hopes set on securing a home
semi-final. Points were exchanged from the boots of both Stephen
Myler and George Ford but it was crunch time when Bath scored the
first try of the game. At half time, the score was even, setting up
the expectation of a frenetic nail biting second half. The
physicality and power of both sides was reflected in the score
line. A glorious try and conversion from George Ford was the
talking point, along with Referee
Matt Carley taking full control of the game - ending it abruptly and
somewhat controversially with the restart in extra time - when
suspected foul play from Courtney Lawes on George Ford was reviewed
by the TMO. Saints’ Stephen Myler , whose last minute kick earned
Northampton a draw at Bath, says he enjoys the pressure:
“It
would be boring for me kicking goals if there’s nothing riding on
it. The true test of yourself as a character, first and foremost, is
can you deliver when it counts? That is what you practice for.”
Bath
will feel somewhat deflated by the 19-19 draw at home, but yet again,
it reaffirms the quality of players in the Aviva Premiership. They
go into Round 22, 4th in the Premiership.
The
sun shone down on Allianz Park but Worcester's sights couldn't be
clouded as nothing short of victory was the task in hand. A Warriors
win – all or nothing – to prevent relegation. But as righteous
as Worcester have been, the sun wasn’t shining on them and they
were heading into the Championship, as the Saracens stormed to a
44-20 win. But even though it was a mighty victory and yet another
clinical performance from the Saracens, Worcester looked in
contention at half-time with Chris Pennell scoring; but it was all
about tries, tries and more tries - that were run in - in the second
half. Two tries from Chris Ashton, three from Jackson Wray and the
entire wolf pack pounding the Warriors saw them finish off the job
and sadly Worcester, in style.
The
Cherry and Whites took on the Exiles at a sun-kissed Kingsholm. Early on, Gloucester took the lead with two tries in ten
minutes from Sione Kalamafoni and Charlie Sharples. Marland Yarde
responded, starting with a 60 metre sprint as he then went on to
score a hat trick. Gloucester didn’t dwell and Shane Monahan scored a hat-trick himself to secure a 38 – 30 win on home turf for the Cherry and Whites. They look to go into next season prepared and positive.
Wasps
were looking to keep their European hopes alive as they fought off
the Newcastle Falcons at Adams Park. And on the back of Exeter's
loss, they secured themselves a trip to meet their French
counterparts, Stade Francais, in what can only be described as luck
at the last chance saloon. It was the power up front and the fiery
attacking back line that saw the Wasps take a 12 point lead at half
time. The Falcons did retaliate and take the lead at one point as
Noah Cato managed to put two tries in the bag. With Charlie Hayter
and James Haskell yellow carded, it was a daunting sight for the London club but the Wasps managed to keep their composure and secure
the 7th
place in the Premiership with a 44-38 win. Wasps Andy Goode tweeted
on the Quins win at Exeter, which ensured Wasps will be involved in
the 7th place play off for a place in Europe:
“Thanks
Quins. You beauties!” Well done!!