Harlequins fall 29-43 to Sale in high-scoring clash

Harlequins were dealt a tough blow at home as they went down 29-43 to a clinical Sale Sharks side in a fast-paced, high-scoring Gallagher Premiership clash.

Despite running in four tries and showing flashes of brilliance, Quins were unable to match Sale’s relentless forward momentum and precise execution across both halves. The match saw momentum swing multiple times, but in the end, Sale’s power game and breakdown dominance proved too much for the hosts.

Harlequins got off to the perfect start in front of a lively crowd at The Stoop. Marcus Smith opened the scoring with a composed penalty kick, giving the hosts an early 3-0 lead.

Minutes later, Quins built on their advantage when Jack Kenningham crossed for the game’s opening try after a series of well-structured phases. Smith added the conversion to make it 10-0.

But Sale were quick to respond. A powerful maul led to a try from Luke Cowan-Dickie, and although the conversion was missed, it gave the visitors the spark they needed.

Their resurgence continued with back-to-back tries from Tom Curry. Exploiting gaps in the Quins defence, Curry finished both moves with clinical precision, taking Sale into the lead at 19-10.

Cadan Murley then brought the crowd back into it with a brilliant try on the left wing. A slick passing sequence between Luke Northmore and Tyrone Green opened space, and Murley finished in the corner.

The hope was short-lived, however, as Sale finished the half on top. Asher Opoku-Fordjour crashed over to stretch their lead to 24-15 going into the break.

Sale came out firing in the second half and quickly re-established their authority. Jonny Hill drove over the line after sustained pressure in Quins’ 22, and shortly after, Jean-Luc du Preez added another with brute force, pushing the visitors further ahead at 36-15.

Harlequins were far from done though. A burst of attacking tempo saw Cameron Anderson touch down, and moments later, Nathan Jibulu added another try to bring the scoreline to a much closer 36-29. The Stoop roared with hope, sensing a potential comeback.

But that hope was extinguished in the final minutes. With Quins pushing hard, a turnover allowed Sale to regain possession and march upfield.

Tom Roebuck sealed the game with a well-taken try, rounding off a complete performance for the visitors and bringing the final score to 43-29.