Harlequins end Chiefs' unbeaten run

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Harlequins inflicted Exeter Chiefs’ first defeat of the season in an epic 28-26 showdown at The Stoop as Joe Marchant’s late try sealed a stunning win.

The victory ensured Premiership leaders Chiefs’ eight-game winning run was scuppered as Nathan Earle’s brace proved vital after a stunning last stand from Rob Baxter’s men.

The Chiefs arrived at The Stoop having not lost away from home since mid-February, but they quickly realised they were in for a tough encounter from the off.

James Lang’s boot gave the hosts the early advantage, but Chiefs were able to rediscover their table-topping form by immediately breaking back from a set-piece down the left flank as Matt Kvesic crashed his way over the line for the opening try.

However, Quins broke back against the run of play as they utilised their own line-out to their advantage with James Chisholm finding a gap in the line to inch through and take the lead.

Baxter could hardly believe his eyes as Quins rapidly turned the screw and they rapidly found themselves going into half-time 13-5 behind as Nathan Earle sprinted down the left flank to score.

But Exeter quickly rediscovered their ruthless streak as a mix up by the Quins backs let the ball spill into touch and Jack Yeandle crossed the line from a subsequent flurry of line-outs. Joe Simmonds kicked for two.

Where many would have wilted, Quins burst forward and Mike Brown plonked the ball beautifully forward for Earle to run onto and score his second try of the match.

True to Exeter’s form they didn’t give in easily and replacement Ollie Devoto forced the Chiefs back to within a point once more from another set-piece.

Marcus Smith fired a penalty between the posts to go further ahead and Quins put the icing on the cake late on through Joe Marchant’s try to secure a fourth win of the campaign.

Ian Whitten scored a last-gasp try and Gareth Steenson converted, but it mattered little as Quins held out to win.

The scorers:

For Harlequins:
Tries: Chisholm, Earle 2, Marchant
Con: Lang
Pens: Lang, Smith

For Exeter Chiefs:
Tries: Kvesic, Yeandle, Devoto, Whitten
Cons: Simmonds, Steenson 2

Teams:

Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Gabriel Ibitoye, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Francis Saili, 11 Nathan Earle, 10 James Lang, 9 Danny Care, 8 James Chisholm (captain), 7 Jack Clifford, 6 Alex Dombrandt, 5 George Merrick, 4 Ben Glynn, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Dave Ward, 1 Joe Marler.
Replacements: 16 Max Crumpton, 17 Lewis Boyce, 18 Phil Swainston, 19 Mat Luamanu, 20 Semi Kunatani, 21 Charlie Mulchrone, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Cadan Murley.

Exeter Chiefs: 15 Phil Dollman, 14 Tom O’Flaherty, 13 Ian Whitten, 12 Sam Hill, 11 Alex Cuthbert, 10 Joe Simmonds, 9 Nic White, 8 Matt Kvesic, 7 Don Armand, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Dave Dennis, 4 Mitch Lees, 3 Greg Holmes, 2 Jack Yeandle (captain), 1 Moray Low.
Replacements: 16 Elvis Taione, 17 Billy Keast, 18 Marcus Street, 19 Ollie Atkins, 20 Tom Lawday, 21 Jack Maunder, 22 Gareth Steenson, 23 Ollie Devoto.

Referee: Ian Tempest
Assistant referees: Adam Leal & Wayne Falla.
TMO: Keith Lewis

Source: @premrugby