Sarries edge past Quins
Saracens produced a fine performance in both defence and attack to claim a 27-20 success at Harlequins.
Last Updated: 22/12/07 6:44pm
Saracens produced a fine performance in both defence and attack to claim a 27-20 success at Harlequins.
The visitors scored three tries through Neil de Kock, Brent Russell and Rod Penney, while Glen Jackson contributed 12 points with three conversions and two penalties.
Harlequins replied with second-half tries from Tani Fuga and Ugo Monye with Adrian Jarvis landing two conversions and two penalties.
Quins, expertly orchestrated by England scrum-half Andy Gomarsall, dominated the opening half-hour but failed to turn their pressure into points.
Fly-half Jarvis slotted a 15th-minute penalty to give the hosts an early lead after Saracens strayed off-side in front of their own posts.
Rearguard
The visiting defence produced a fine rearguard, stopping winger David Strettle and hooker Gary Botha just short of the line.
Jackson levelled at 3-3 with a 31st-minute penalty after Quins prop Ceri Jones was penalised for bringing down a scrum.
Saracens got the opening try against the run of play in the 34th minute when referee Tony Spreadbury ruled that de Kock had beaten Monye to touch down Kameli Ratuvou's kick ahead.
Jackson converted, but then missed two penalty attempts, including a straightforward effort that he slammed against the post.
Slick move
Jarvis and Jackson exchanged penalties at the start of the second-half, before a slick move from the Saracens back division delivered what proved to be the crucial blow in the 52nd minute.
Jackson released centre Kevin Sorrell on a looping run that split the Quins defence and allowed him to send full-back Russell racing in to the line.
Harlequins responded with a 59th-minute try for Fuga, who had only just entered the fray as a replacement.
But any hopes of a home fight-back were dashed when Penney went in for Saracens' third try after Jackson created the opening.
Harlequins never gave up and reduced their final deficit to just seven points when Monye crossed for a late converted try.