Sale Sharks edge out Quins

Harlequins fell just short in their opening Gallagher Premiership season as Sale Sharks clung on for a 12-11 victory at Salford Community Stadium.

In a tight and physical encounter, Quins crossed for the only try of the match in the 33rd minute, but it was George Ford’s four penalties that proved the determining factor.

Played in wet and slippery conditions, both sides traded possession and turnovers in the opening 20 minutes, with George Ford kicking Sale to a 3-0 lead, before adding his second penalty five minutes later.

After a strong phase of possession, Jack Walker crashed over for Quins’ first points of the season in the 33rd minute. The hooker peeled off the back of the lineout maul to dive over and reduce the deficit to 6-5.

It was then Leigh Halfpenny’s right boot that gave Quins the lead. The experienced fullback, making his Gallagher Premiership debut, slotted the penalty kick to give the visitors the two point advantage.

Moments later, Ford added a third penalty to give the hosts a slender 9-8 half-time lead.

Making a strong start to the second 40, Quins looked to have powered over for their second try in the 47th minute. Flanker Jack Kenningham, making his 50th Quins appearance, drove over the line from close range. But after a long chat with the TMO, referee Adam Leal disallowed the try.

With Impact Players Simon Kerrod, Marcus Smith and Dino Lamb introduced after 50 minutes, Quins continued to battle against a mountain of Sale pressure, working hard in defence and shutting down the hosts’ threats on multiple occasions.

Having been excellent under the high ball all afternoon, Halfpenny then stepped up to give Quins the lead in the 69th minute. The Welshman kicked the penalty from 40 metres as Quins nudged ahead 9-11.

But with minutes ticking away, Sale advanced into the Quins half before a decisive penalty provided Ford with the opportunity to kick the match-winning points and secure the 12-11 victory.

Next up, Harlequins face Newcastle Falcons at The Stoop on Saturday 28 December (KO 15:00 – tickets here).

Harlequins Starting XV: 1. Fin Baxter (78) 2. Jack Walker (54) 3. Titi Lamositele (49) 4. Irne Herbst (54) 5. Stephan Lewies 6. Jack Kenningham 7. Will Evans 8. Alex Dombrandt (50) 9. Will Porter (61) 10. Jarrod Evans (49) 11. Oscar Beard (77) 12. Lennox Anyanwu 13. Luke Northmore 14. Nick David 15. Leigh Halfpenny

Impact Players: 16. Nathan Jibulu (54) 17. Jordan Els (78) 18. Simon Kerrod (49) 19. Joe Launchbury (54) 20. Dino Lamb (50) 21. Danny Care (61) 22. Marcus Smith (49) 23. Cassius Cleaves (77)