Quins draw with Tigers in Big Game thriller

By

Harlequins were denied victory in the final play as the Tigers claimed a share of the spoils in a 34-34 draw – a festive thriller at Twickenham.

Their annual Big Game clash seems to bring out the best of the Quins and with a won three, lost four tally before kick-off, they badly wanted a win.

But their seven point lead was wiped out at the last by Dan Cole’s dot down on the line and an angled Handre Pollard conversion that bounced home via a post.

A loud and atmospheric Rudamental DJ set and pretty light show ahead of kick-off were all well and good, but coach Danny Wilson and a majority of the 80,000 crowd craved a Quins victory.

From the moment Marcus Smith danced around three Tigers players to set up the evening’s opening try for hooker Jack Walker, it felt like the full house Allianz Stadium would get its money’s worth.

The only uncertainty was who might eventually come out on top in a clash of pace, swift handling and vaulting ambition from both sides.

Leicester, who had grabbed an early lead with a Pollard penalty, had the ability to pin Quins back with some perfect kicks to touch from the South African and could also create danger from deep.

Two tries came their way through Ollie Hassel-Collins and Solomone Kata, but a breakaway try for Cadan Murley reduced the deficit and centre Kata received a yellow card for a high tackle on Oscar Beard.

Quins took advantage with a close range try from Luke Northmore, converted by Smith, and the notional hosts had a one point lead at the turn around.

Smith kept up his flawless record off the tee by landing a penalty to extend the lead and although a try out wide for England full-back Freddie Steward tipped the scores Tigers’ way once more, Smith soon tied it up at 27-27:with a kick in front of the posts.

A see-saw game was anybody’s with 15 minutes to play.

Who would seize the initiative? Smith and Danny Care almost fashioned an impudent opening down the right, but Murley claimed the next try out on the left – the arrival off the bench of Chandler Cunningham-South helping gain precious yards.

Home fans hoped it would prove decisive but it wasn’t quite enough to get the job done.