Falcons triumph in 7s showdown

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Harlequins bowed out of the Premiership 7s Series with a 17-10 defeat against Newcastle, who took the trophy after a 31-21 victory over Saracens in the final.

Quins were widely expected to contest the final with Sarries and they made a great start to the evening’s rugby at The Stoop, beating Wasps 19-0.

But a 17-10 victory over the hosts took Newcastle through – and they then went one better by beating the favourites and defending champions.

Quins had looked impressive in their opening Pool A clash with a Wasps side that were out of their depth.

Luke Wallace opened the account within 50 seconds to take them into a 5-0 lead.

Sam Smith got Harlequins' final try against Wasps

A short while later, some nifty handling and quality footwork opened a gap for rising star Ross Chisholm to end a 50-metre run with the second try of the night. Sam Smith got the game’s final try to wrap up a comprehensive win.

Saracens destroyed Bath 38-0 in Pool B, before sealing their place in the final with a hard fought 20-15 win against Sale.

Falcons then emerged as the surprise package of the night, subjecting Wasps to an even bigger hammering than Quins gave them – 38-7.

Given that performance, Quins could expect a tough game – one they needed to win, whereas their opponents required only a draw in order to progress.

Quins broke through with Miles Mantella charging into the right-hand corner to kick the scoreboard and the crowd into life.

Smart hands from the kick-off then led to a well worked try from Ross Chisholm under the posts, and the home team looked comfortable.

But a penalty gave Newcastle a sniff and Quins suddenly found themselves wanting as Alex Tait found a gap to burst through and touch down.

The conversion brought the score to 12-7, setting up a tense second half.

A lost scrum deep in Quins territory gave the Falcons a big advantage, yet a stout but tiring defence kept the Geordies at bay.

But the visitors hit back, and after the ball bobbled out the back of a ruck to be scooped up by Will Chudley, he gratefully charged 40 metres and over the line.

And just before full-time, a dropped ball led to Luke Fielden running in the winning try.

“We made it very hard for ourselves,” admitted Quins skipper Chris York.

“Newcastle did a very good job of keeping the ball. We’re gutted not to be in the final.”

Coach Howard Graham added: “We’ve had a good pre-season, but we looked a bit tired out there and people were leaving holes that aren’t normally there. They kept the ball very well, and we didn’t.”