The return of Marcus Smith inspired Harlequins to their first win of the season in the Gallagher Premiership, while Saracens saw their perfect start come to an end with a 20-14 defeat at The Stoop.
Smith, making his first appearance since the British and Irish Lions tour, scored the Quins’ first try and directed the aerial attack that ultimately led to the defeat of their London rivals.
The talented England player also converted two conversions, the second improving Tyrone Green’s try in the second half, and two penalties, surpassing Owen Farrell, who led the Saracens in the inside center.
Farrell created tries for Fergus Burke and Ben Earl with a sublime pass and a precise cross-kick, but it wasn’t enough to prevent his team from suffering their third consecutive defeat against the Harlequins.Marcus Smith tuvo un exitoso regreso para los Harlequins.The home team dominated most of the first half, but their lead at halftime was only 10-7, with a Smith penalty as the difference between the rivals.
The scrum battle, the kicking game, and great individual moments favored the Quins, but they only managed one try to demonstrate their dominance, with Smith deceiving to score in the ninth minute, overcoming a tackle from Marco Riccioni in the process.
Farrell missed a routine kick launched by Smith, which caused the joy of the local fans, who then celebrated when the Saracens’ number eight, Tom Willis, was pushed back in the tackle by Kieran Treadwell.
Both teams punted the ball on every opportunity, with the first quarter producing an average of one punt per minute, but it was Smith who dominated the aerial game through his variety.
The Saracens were struggling to get out of their half, but in the 27th minute their attack came alive when Farrell delivered a spectacular pass to Lucio Cinti, and one pass later Burke finished a try that could be the best of the season.
The outstanding Chandler Cunningham-South made a great tackle on his rival Willis and when the home team’s powerful scrum received a penalty, Smith scored.
The second half was less than a minute old when the Quins extended their lead, Burke failing to control a Smith kick, allowing Green to score.
The Saracens sought to apply pressure on the field, but the scrum proved to be their downfall once more, conceding a penalty that freed their opponents.
The North London club was gaining momentum and in the 65th minute they created their second try, with Max Malins initiating an attack that ended with Farrell executing an exquisite cross-kick for Ben Earl to score.
Prop Boris Wenger had a try disallowed for a double movement as Quins attempted to respond and spent the final minutes in enemy territory, closing out the game with Smith slotting his second penalty at the death, just before being named Player of the Match.
