Harlequins miss out on play-off spot after 27-25 defeat to Wasps

Wasps 27-25 Harlequins, Ricoh Arena
Scorecard

James Lang missed a long-range penalty goal as Harlequins missed the play-off berth in the Gallagher Premiership following a 27-25 defeat to Wasps at Ricoh Arena on Saturday.

The result means Quins had 56 points from 22 games and finished the season on fifth after an inferior points difference to Northampton Saints, who sneaked to the fourth place.

Marcus Smith kicked an eighth-minute penalty goal to begin the proceedings for Harlequins but Josh Bassett with a 12th minute try followed by Lima Sopoaga conversion helped Wasps seize the lead.

Joe Marchant scored Harlequins' opening try in the 18th minute but Wasps had a slender 10-8 lead heading into the break with a 30th-minute penalty goal from Sopoaga.

Simpson gave Wasps clear advantage with back to back tries in the 51st and 56th minute to make it 24-8 but the visitors were unwilling to relent under pressure with a touchdown from Danny Care bringing them back into the game. Lang kicked a conversion and a penalty goal to make the scoreline 24-18.

Sopoaga with a 72nd minute penalty goal stretched Wasps' lead to nine points but Elia Elia crashing over the line in the 76th minute and a conversion from Lang brought the gap down to two points. The Quins had a chance to seal the play-off berth but Lang's kick dropped under the bar allowing Wasps to seal a 27-25 win.