Heroic Quins defence ends Sarries' derby dominance

Gallagher Premiership

Harlequins (7) 17

Tries: Baxter, Anyanwu Cons: M Smith (2) Pens: M Smith

Saracens (0) 10

Tries: Tizard Cons: Lozowski Pens: Lozowski

Harlequins produced a monumental defensive effort to overcome previously-unbeaten Saracens at The Stoop and end a run of eight straight derby defeats.

Fin Baxter’s close-range try gave Quins a 7-0 half-time lead but Sarries' Hugh Tizard dived over against his former club after the interval to level the scores.

Lennox Anyanwu blazed down the flank to restore the hosts' advantage and though Marcus Smith and Alex Lozowski exchanged penalties in the closing stages, Quins held on for a famous win, their first over Sarries since January 2020.

There was further woe for the visitors as Scotland lock Andy Onyeama-Christie was stretchered off early on with what looked a serious ankle injury.

More to follow.

Harlequins: Halfpenny; David, Murley, Anyanwu, Beard; M Smith, Porter; Baxter, Walker, Lamositele; Herbst, Lewies (capt); Lamb, Kenningham, Chisholm.

Replacements: Jibulu, Marler, Lewis, Launchbury, Cunningham-South, W Evans, Care, J Evans.

Sin-bin: Chisholm (11 mins)

Saracens: Goode; Elliott, Lozowski, Tompkins, Daly; Burke, van Zyl; Carre, George, Riccioni, Itoje (capt), Isiekwe, Gonzalez, Onyeama-Christie, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Mawi, Clarey, Tizard, Willis, Knight, Simpson, Cinti.

Referee: Christophe Ridley