By Alanquin
December 28 2014

Despite having the bulk of the possession Harlequins failed to deny Northampton victory in the annual Big Game at Twickenham, losing narrowly by 25 – 30.  In the end the difference was, perhaps, the number of penalties awarded against Harlequins, 17, and a fortuitous charge down of Tim Sweil’s clearance kick that bounced fortunately for Manao who was able to put North in for a try that was totally against the run of play.

Harlequins had started the game with pace and determination and an early excellent break by George Lowe gave Quins their first attacking position and ended with Lowe crossing for the first try after only five minutes. The conversion attempt from the touchline failed. A penalty allowed Swiel to increase the lead although a similar kick from Meyler opened Saint’s account.

A fine break by Brown started another Quins’ attack but ended in a penalty that saw Meyler find a good touch in the Quins’ twenty-two. Setting themselves to catch and drive, Saints’ powerful pack was strongly resisted but at the cost of another penalty and a further catch and drive from five metres. This time they rolled across the line for Manoa to touch down for the try. Meyler’s successful conversion gave Northampton the lead that they kept to the end.

Despite a yellow card for Ma’afu for a high tackle, a further penalty saw Meyler increase the Northampton lead to 8 – 13 at the interval.

The opening minutes of the second half virtually sealed the result as first Swiel missed with a kickable penalty and then the charging down of his clearance led to George North’s try duly converted by Meyler to open a lead of 8 – 20. Quins were thereafter playing catch up. Successful penalties for Swiel and Meyler increased the score to 11 – 23.

A concerted attack from Harlequins went through numerous phases. Swiel was only inches short as he went for the line. Quins, however, kept possession and eventually Clifford dived over for the try. Swiel added the extras.  Despite Quins’ superiority in possession, the penalty count continued to rise against them. Northampton managed dangerous attacks with Corbisiero held up over the line and then having a try disallowed as he knocked on in the act of touching down. Finally Northampton worked Fotuali’i over for a third try with a quarter hour remaining. But Quins were not yet finished and continued pressure produced position and the effort saw SamTwomey cross for a try that with the successful conversion from Swiel salvaged a losing bonus point.