Marchant helps Harlequins to close victory for Harlequins in Big Game 9

Harlequins 28-24 Gloucester Rugby, Twickenham Stadium
Scorecard

Joe Marchant scored a double as Harlequins managed to survive a late scare from Gloucester Rugby in their Aviva Premiership game in front of a record crowd at Twickenham Stadium on Tuesday.

After the first quarter went with both teams not scoring a point, Marchant crossed over in the 26th minute to give Harlequins a 5-0 lead.

Even though, scrum half Greig Laidlaw responded with a penalty six minutes later, it was the Quins, who went into half-time with an eight-point lead after a double penalty from fly-half Ruaridh Jackson separated by a yellow card to Jonny May in the 39th minute.

England international Jack Clifford capitalised on the advantage of Gloucester being reduced to 14-men temporarily when he crossed over in the 41st minute with Jackson's conversion taking the lead for the home team to 15 points.

Number eight Gareth Evans brought Gloucester back into the game when he touched down in the 48th minute allowing Laidlaw with the extras.

However, Marchant had other plans after he strolled past the post for the second time in the game in the 58th minute. Even though, fullback James Hook and replacement Motu Matu'u led a fightback from Gloucester with tries in 62nd and 70th minute respectively, the Quins held their defence tightly despite a sin-bin to Clifford with 10 minutes to go to secure a crucial four-point win.

Harlequins are placed sixth in the table while the losing bonus point saw Gloucester climb to the eighth position.