Match Centre: Gallagher Premiership: Harlequins 17-10 Saracens

Harlequins 17-10 Saracens, The Stoop

In an intense Gallagher Premiership London derby, Harlequins handed Saracens their first defeat of the season with a 17-10 victory at The Twickenham Stoop.

Despite a dominant start, Saracens struggled to capitalize on key opportunities, allowing Harlequins to punish them with crucial tries.

Saracens came out strong, holding the majority of possession in the opening minutes, with Nick Tompkins almost setting up Alex Goode for an early breakthrough. Harlequins, however, proved resilient, with Leigh Halfpenny making a key recovery and Marcus Smith evading pressure.

As Saracens looked to build momentum, Elliot Daly's penalty kick to the corner set up a close chance, but Andy Onyeama-Christie was tackled short of the try line.

Saracens then saw another opportunity slip through their fingers when a maul was held up after James Chisholm was sin-binned for killing the ball.

Despite Saracens' pressure, it was Harlequins who struck first. Fin Baxter crashed over from close range after relentless phases near the try line.

Smith's conversion made it 7-0, and Saracens, despite dominating possession, went into the halftime break trailing.

Saracens found their breakthrough early in the second half. After continuous pressure on the Quins defense, Hugh Tizard scored a try, leveling the game at 7-7 following Lozowski’s conversion.

However, Harlequins swiftly responded as Marcus Smith danced through defenders to set up Lennox Anyanwu for a try, restoring their lead.

Smith further extended the advantage with a late penalty, sealing a 17-10 victory. Despite a late effort from Lozowski, Saracens couldn’t bridge the gap, leaving the Stoop with only a losing bonus point.

The defeat marked Saracens' first of the season, while Harlequins celebrated a hard-fought win in front of their home crowd.

Team line up:

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

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

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

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