Harlequins edge out Ealing in Premiership Rugby Cup
Fly-half Jamie Benson scored 16 points for Harlequins in their win over Ealing on Friday
- Published
Harlequins beat west London neighbours Ealing Trailfinders 38-33 in a breathless Premiership Rugby Cup affair at Twickenham Stoop to go top of Pool C.
In the teams' first competitive meeting, Championship high-flyers Ealing went ahead after 53 seconds when full-back Tobi Wilson rolled over to score following an uncharacteristic mistake by England international Will Joseph at the kick-off.
Quins quickly clicked into gear soon after though, showing their Premiership class with tries from captain Tom Lawday, Cameron Anderson and Jamie Benson racing the hosts into a 21-5 lead.
Ealing refused to lie down, however, and winger Tom Collins finished an excellent move following a quick ball out the back of the hands from last Saturday's match-winner against Saracens, Reuben Bird-Tulloch.
Minutes later, Trailfinders hooker Matt Cornish finished his own line-out following a successful maul to dive over and leave the visitors trailing at half-time by just two points.
The visitors lost their discipline in the second half and minutes after the break a penalty try was rewarded to Quins whilst Trailfinders' lock Will Montgomery was sent to the sin bin.
A late shot from Kyle Whyte left the visitors down to 13 men for 10 minutes and Quins took advantage seconds later when George Hammond dived over near the sticks after an excellent team move.
After Montgomery returned to the field, the visitors reduced the arrears after Collins was able to juggle Dan Jones' pass to score his second of the game.
Deep into injury time, Ealing hooker Cameron Terry fired in a low line-out to centre Jordan Holgate to earn the visitors' fifth try as the match ended with just five points separating the sides.
Sale claimed a comfortable victory over Championship basement side Caldy 40-7 at the Salford Community Stadium.
Winger Obi Ene, 21, scored four first-half tries while Alex Wills and Tadgh McElroy also crossed over as the Premiership side ran in six tries to go top of Pool A.
In the Bedfordshire derby, Bedford Blues claimed local bragging rights with a 26-6 victory over Ampthill.
Two tries each from Dean Adamson and Tommy Herman were enough for the Blues at Goldington Road to earn their first points of Pool D following their 67-19 defeat by Bristol last weekend.