Alex Dombrandt scores match-winner for Harlequins in a dramatic and controversial finish

Alex Dombrandt scores match-winner for Harlequins in a dramatic and controversial finish

Harlequins have done it again!

A last-minute winner sees them secure second place overall in Pool of the Champions Cup and a place in the round of 16. Alex Dombrandt scored the winning try in the 85th minute but Castres will certainly woe their missed opportunities. Flyhalf Ben Botica missed eight points from the tee and fumbled a clear try-scoring opportunity with the try line begging.

The French outfit got the game off to a perfect start with Botica slotting a penalty in the first minute of the game with Gaetan Barlot scoring off a nice one-two with Rory Kockett a minute later to a make 0-8. Antoine Zeghdar scored in the 8th minute as Castres looked as if they were on their way to a big victory.




However, Alex Dombrandt started the comeback for Harlequins finishing off a flowing move out wide in the 14th minute, diving into the corner.. Botica made it 5-16 after 20 minutes but a big hit from Andre Esterhuizen after he toed on a kick through from Tommy Allan saw the ball spill loose for Huw Jones to score from.

Viliami Taulani scored his first try for the club before the half-hour mark as Harlequins went up 19-16. Another neat move from a lineout saw Castres retake the lead with Rory Kockett linking up perfectly with Filipo Nakosi as the former run in for the five-pointer. Allan slotted a penalty just before the break as Quins trailed 22-23 at halftime.




Dombrandt was on the end of another great attack early in the second half as Harlequins edged in front 29-23. Filipo Nakosi got on the end of a pinpoint cross-kick from Ben Botica to score in the 50th minute before Botica fumbled the ball with the try-line begging to increase Castres lead evening further. Luckily for Botica, Adrea Cocagi scored for Castres soon after the flyhalves blunder.



Castres held onto their lead until the 85th minute when Dombrandt completed his hattrick and sealed the win for Harlequins.



Full-time: Harlequins 36-33 Castres.

                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 

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