Six-try Harlequins beat Exeter Chiefs 41-24
Marcus Smith was part of the winning Harlequins side
©PA
Harlequins 41-24 Exeter Chiefs, Allianz Stadium
Harlequins completed a memorable comeback to beat Exeter Chiefs 41-24 at Allianz Stadium in the Big Summer Kick-Off.
After trailing 24-14 at halftime, Quins produced a dominant second-half display, scoring 27 unanswered points to secure their first back-to-back league wins of the season.
Exeter Take Control Early
Harlequins started brightly but were denied near the line as Exeter’s defence held firm. The Chiefs then struck twice in quick succession.
Campbell Ridl collected a cross-field kick from Harvey Skinner to score the opener, before Paul Brown-Bampoe’s strong carry helped create the platform for Stephen Varney to cross. Exeter moved into a 12-0 lead and put Quins under early pressure.
Harlequins thought they had responded through Sam Riley, but the try was ruled out for a forward pass from Alex Dombrandt.
Quins Stay In Touch Before Halftime
Jack Kenningham eventually got Quins on the scoreboard after the hosts kicked to the corner and built pressure close to the Exeter line.
Exeter replied through Max Norey from a set-piece move, before Len Ikitau powered over around the half-hour mark to stretch the Chiefs’ lead.
Quins needed a response before the break and found it through Luke Northmore, who marked his 100th appearance by cutting through to score under the posts. That reduced the deficit to 24-14 at halftime.
Harlequins Take Over After The Break
Quins came out with greater purpose in the second half. Cadan Murley finished in the corner after strong carries from Elliot Williams and Chandler Cunningham-South created momentum.
The hosts then levelled the match in style. Jamie Benson sliced through on the short side and lifted the ball to Will Porter, who won the race to the corner to make it 24-24.
Marcus Smith then kicked Harlequins ahead for the first time after Seb Driscoll won a vital turnover penalty at the breakdown.
Evans And Wenger Seal The Comeback
With momentum firmly on their side, Quins finished strongly. Will Evans crossed in the corner during the final ten minutes to give the hosts breathing room.
Boris Wenger then capped the comeback with an interception from close range, racing away to complete a stunning 41-24 victory.
