Saracens survive Lasike's onslaught to down Harlequins
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Saracens powered to a 38-24 victory over Harlequins in a game that saw Owen Farrell notch up his 200th appearance for the club and his first since March.
The England flyhalf showed little rust as he guided Saracens to a bonus-point win. Saracens were imperious in the first half but Harlequins dragged themselves back into the match but Saracens managed to shut Quins out and secure the win.
View this post on InstagramCongrats to the England captain who has earned his 200th cap for Saracens 👏 #GallagherPrem #SARvHAR
Sean Maitland's early score set Sarries on their way with Maro Itoje and Aled Davies both crossing before the break. Two penalties from Owen Farrell in the second half stretched Saracens' lead before Paul Lasike powered over for the visitors. The late surge from Harlequins saw Scott Steele go over for his first try for the club before Lasike dotted down once again to try put Quins seven points adrift with five minutes left, but Alex Lewington ended their comeback hopes.
Saracens' first try came after just four minutes after a strong carry from Billy Vunipola, the England No 8 offloading to Maitland to go over in the left corner. Farrell extended Saracen’s lead with a penalty before Harlequins had to make do with a Marcus Smith drop-goal after a lengthy period of pressure.
Jamie George showed quick hands to put Michael Rhodes away down the right hand side and fed Lewington before strong charges from Sam Crean and Vunipola allowed Itoje to bundle over from close range. Aled Davies was next as he sniped in under the posts after a lineout as the hosts led by 22 at the break.
Paul Lasike made a telling contribution from the bench powered over from five metres and then set up Steele to score after another strong carry. Farrell slotted three second half penalties to keep his side before Lewington ended Harlequins’ hopes of an unlikely comeback just a minute after Lasike’s second try.
Saracens (22) 38
Tries: Maitland, Itoje, Davies, Lewington Cons: Farrell 2 Pens: Farrell 4
Harlequins (3) 24
Tries: Lasike 2, Steele Cons: Smith 3 Drop goal: Smith
