Harlequins resist late charge from Bath Rugby to win Premiership Rugby Cup opener

Bath Rugby 19-27 Harlequins

Harlequins overcame a late charge from Bath Rugby as they kick-started their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign with a 19-27 win on Saturday.

The win has taken Harlequins to the top of Pool 1 with Exeter and Newcastle occupying the second place following their 22-22 draw.

After the first 12 minutes went without a point, Harlequins lost George Merrick temporarily when he was sin-binned and Jack Walker made them pay as he opened Bath Rugby's account with a 14th minute try.

The response from the Quins came when Demetri Catrakilis kicked back to back penalties in the 18th and 24th minutes that took them to a one-point lead before Charlie Walker with his touchdown before the break stretched the lead to six points.

The visitors extended their momentum into the second half when Alex Dombrandt strolled over the line in the 44th minute and Catrakilis kicked a conversion and a penalty to make the scoreline 5-21.

The Quins though lost momentum in the last 15 minutes when Alex Dombrandt was yellow-carded in the 66th minute and back to back tries from Ross Batty in the 67th and 73rd minute followed by a double conversion from Alex Davies gave Bath hope but eventually they succumbed to an eight point defeat.