Late Sale penalty try continues Harlequins woes

Harlequins' poor start to the Prem season continues with a third successive loss of the campaign against Sale at CorpAcq Stadium. Harlequins' poor start to the Prem season continued with a third successive loss of the campaign against Sale at CorpAcq Stadium. The Sharks came from behind to win the game with a 73rd-minute penalty try after the returning Marcus Smith had touched down twice in the opening quarter to give Quins an early lead. After their opening-day reverse to Bristol at home, Sale have bounced back strongly with back-to-back wins over Saracens and Quins. Despite their first points of the season, the loss leaves Quins rooted to the foot of the table.

Harlequins, crushed 48-0 by Gloucester last weekend, were much more resilient and, with Smith involved for the first time this season after a finger injury, much more threatening. But Sale, while nowhere near their best, fought their way out of a tight corner to record their fifth successive win against Quins in domestic and European competition. Quins were good value for a 17-14 half time lead, scoring three tries and having two more disallowed by the television match official (TMO). Hooker Sam Riley gave them a third-minute lead after Smith and George Furbank had combined in midfield. Then Smith finished off some fine approach play from Furbank.