Quins Hang on for crucial Bonus-Point Win against gritty Sale

​Harlequins secured a bonus-point win against a tough Sale Sharks side in the latest round of the PWR.

​Sale started strongly and took an early lead after Rhona Lloyd managed to touch down in the corner following an excellent grubber kick from Lizzie Duffy. England international Holly Aitchison slotted the conversion to give Sharks a 7-0 lead.

​Harlequins gradually grew into the game, and after 23 minutes, Ellie Kildunne managed to squeeze over in the corner by the slimmest of margins to bring the score to within 2 points.

​10 minutes later, the hosts struck again, this time with a sensational try from winger Beth Wilcock.

​The conversion attempt from Cromack was again unsuccessful, allowing Sale back into the game when Lizzie Duffy slotted a penalty to ensure the sides would go in level at the break.

​With the score 10-10 as the second half kicked off, the game really could have gone either way, but Harlequins started brightly in the second 40, needing just 3 minutes for Sarah Parry to score from close range. This time, Cromack was able to add the extra points.

​The clock began to tick over and the score still remained close as both sides pressed to try and get more points on the board. It proved to be Quins who scored next, with Connie Powell getting the try from close range following excellent work from the home side's pack.

​With the bonus point now wrapped up, Harlequins carried on playing well and looking for more points. With the score at 22-10 with around 13 minutes left, they knew they possibly couldn't afford to take too many risks to allow Sale a chance of turning the result around.

​However, the Sharks forwards had other ideas. Following good work of their own, Shona Campbell went around the outside of the Harlequins defence to score Sale's second try of the day. Aitchison again added the extras to take the score to within 5 points.

​In the end, Harlequins managed to hold out and pick up an important bonus-point win at home before they take on Bristol Bears next week as part of Big Game 17 at Allianz Stadium. Up next for Sale is another tough test as they host Saracens at Heywood Road.