In a dramatic Gallagher Premiership encounter, Harlequins regained the summit position, narrowly defeating Leicester Tigers 29-25 in a thrilling contest at Welford Road.
The match saw the lead swapping hands an astonishing seven times, showcasing the fierce competition between the two teams. Harlequins’ triumph was spearheaded by Tyrone Green, contributing significantly to their victory.
Leicester Tigers, who scored 25 points, witnessed commendable performances from Hanro Liebenberg and Freddie Steward, both crossing the try line, supplemented by Handre Pollard’s reliable kicking, contributing two conversions and two penalties.
On the other side, Harlequins, with a score of 29, were powered by tries from Alex Dombrandt, Dino Lamb (who scored twice), Tyrone Green, and Will Porter. Marcus Smith’s boot added the crucial conversions.
The game was a rollercoaster of action and excitement. Harlequins established an early lead, only for Leicester to fight back valiantly. The first half ended with Harlequins leading narrowly, 17-15, after a tit-for-tat scoring battle.
The second half continued in the same vein, with the teams exchanging tries and leads. Leicester, hoping to turn around their season with the return of six internationals from World Cup duty, showed marked improvement. However, they were unable to capitalize fully on their opportunities, leaving gaps that Harlequins exploited.
Despite Leicester’s efforts, including a last-minute penalty by Pollard putting them ahead, Harlequins clinched the victory with Lamb’s second try. This win marked Harlequins’ fourth consecutive victory, catapulting them to the top of the table above Sale, while Leicester’s struggles continued, leaving them in ninth place.
Leicester Tigers, bolstered by their returning World Cup stars, displayed a more dynamic attack but were let down by crucial errors and missed chances, especially in the closing stages.
Harlequins, with their own England internationals Joe Marler and Marcus Smith, showed resilience and tactical acumen, particularly in the game’s dying moments, securing their third win at Welford Road in five attempts.
Both teams showcased immense talent and commitment, with Leicester’s refreshed lineup impressing in parts and Harlequins’ adaptability and quick thinking ultimately winning the day.
The coaches from both sides expressed their views post-match, reflecting on their teams’ performances and the lessons learned from this intense encounter.
Leicester Tigers: Brown; Steward, Kelly, Kata, Bassett; Pollard, Youngs; van Wyk, Clare, Cole, Henderson, Chessum, Liebenberg (capt), Rogerson, Wiese.
Harlequins: David; Green, Beard, Anyanwu, Lynagh; Smith, Porter; Marler, Riley, Collier, Launchbury, Hammond, Lamb, Evans, Dombrandt (capt).
Referee: Ian Tempest.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby Thriller
Q: What was the final score in the Gallagher Premiership match between Harlequins and Leicester Tigers?
A: The final score was 29-25 in favor of Harlequins.
Q: Who scored the tries for Harlequins in the match?
A: Harlequins’ tries were scored by Alex Dombrandt, Dino Lamb (twice), Tyrone Green, and Will Porter.
Q: Who were the notable players for Leicester Tigers in this game?
A: Leicester Tigers featured World Cup winner Handre Pollard, as well as England quartet Freddie Steward, Ben Youngs, Dan Cole, and Ollie Chessum.
Q: How did Harlequins secure their victory in the match?
A: Harlequins displayed resilience and adaptability, particularly in the closing stages of the game, securing the win with Dino Lamb’s second try.
Q: What does this victory mean for Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership standings?
A: This victory catapulted Harlequins to the top of the Gallagher Premiership table, marking their fourth consecutive win.
Q: Did Leicester Tigers show improvement in this match?
A: Yes, Leicester Tigers displayed an improved performance, especially in their attack, with the return of key internationals.
Q: Who was the referee for this Gallagher Premiership clash?
A: The referee for the match was Ian Tempest.
More about Rugby Thriller
- Gallagher Premiership
- Harlequins Rugby
- Leicester Tigers
- Handre Pollard
- Freddie Steward
- Alex Dombrandt
- Dino Lamb
- Tyrone Green
- Marcus Smith
- Rugby Union Daily podcast
- The Beatles
- Planet Earth
5 comments
harlequins top of the table again, yasss! great game, lads!
leceister gave it their all, proud of our team even tho we lost.
wow wat a nail-biter game! harlequins was on fire but leceister tried their best too, lots of ups n downs!!
this match had me at the edge of my seat! harlequins showed real grit & determination to win!
tough game to officiate, but ian tempest did a good job.