Harlequins edge out Wasps in Stoop thriller

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Harlequins 26 Wasps 23

Harlequins produced a superb second half display and then survived a tense finale to edge out their London rivals at The Stoop.

Wasps led 13-9 at the break through Guy Thompson’s converted try and two penalties from Andy Goode, with Ben Botica’s kicking keeping Quins in touch.

The match was turned on its head soon after the restart as Chris Robshaw went over and Quins extended their lead with a penalty try and a drop goal from Danny Care.

That proved to be crucial as a shellshocked Wasps responded with tries from Tom Varndell and Thomas Young, neither of which were converted, and Quins survived the late sin-binning of Charlie Matthews to secure the win.

It will come as a great relief to Quins fans, and director of rugby Conor O’Shea, after the 39-0 mauling at the hands of Saracens last week.

When flanker Thompson touched down and Goode converted to give Wasps the lead on 16 minutes, the bad memories would have come flooding back.

But after 100 minutes of home league action without a point this season, Botica kicked two penalties to peg Wasps back, although Goode restored the seven-point lead with a couple himself, either side of hitting the post with another.

Right on half-time, Botica slotted over and a revived Quins took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half.

After a high-tempo start, Wasps failed to deal with a Care chip and Robshaw pounced, with Botica converting.

The Quins fly-half was responsible for the second try as he was tripped by Kearnan Myall in chasing his own kick, and a yellow card and penalty try were awarded after consultation with the TMO.

Care produced a fine drop goal to stretch Quins’ lead to 26-13, just reward for the intense nature of their play.

Wasps though were given a route back into the match when Joe Simpson picked up from a loose pass and sent Varndell over out wide.

Goode missed the conversion, but nails were being bitten after Matthews, with four minutes to play, was yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on and a rolling maul allowed Young to go over.

Fortunately for the hosts, Goode was again unable to land the extra points and Quins stayed strong to see out the closing stages.

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