Harlequins end Exeter's winning streak with 28-26 victory

Harlequins 28-26 Exeter Chiefs, Twickenham Stoop
Scorecard

Harlequins managed to bring an end to a eight-game winning streak of Exeter Chiefs as they went on to claim a 28-26 victory at Twickenham Stoop on Friday.

The result also means Exeter's top position is up for the grab for Saracens when they line-up against Wasps on Saturday while the Quins with 24 points now break into the top four.

James Lang kick-started the proceedings for Harlequins with a seventh minute penalty goal but Exeter's response came six minutes later when Matt Kvesic crossed over for an unconverted try.

However, the remainder of the first half was dominated by the home side with tries from James Chisholm (29') and Nathan Earle (39') before the break but Lang's struggle meant the conversions were missed. The teams headed into the break with a scoreline of 13-5.

Jack Yeandle and Ollie Devoto went over either side of Earle's second try as the gap between the two teams came to 20-19 by the end of the 63rd minute. As Marcus Smith replaced Lang, he straightaway made an impact with a penalty goal in the 68th minute to stretch Harlequins' lead to four points that became nine by 76th minute when Joe Marchant crossed over.

As the closing stage was approaching, Ian Whitten's touched down in the 79th minute that was improved by Gareth Steenson gave Rob Baxter's side a glimmer of home but eventually they were edged out by two points. This was also Harlequins' first win over Exeter Chiefs in eight games between them.