Written by Matt Brown
Saracens strengthened their position in the hunt for a top-four place in the Gallagher Premiership thanks to a 26-12 bonus-point win over local rivals Harlequins.
It was set to be an emotional affair at StoneX Stadium as Mark McCall took charge of his final home game after 15 years as director of rugby. The home side started brightly and were duly rewarded when referee Luke Pearce awarded them a penalty try after less than 10 minutes. Harlequins’ Chandler Cunningham-South was sent to the sin bin following infringements on the try line—not exactly how he would have wanted his 50th appearance in the quarters to start.
Saracens should really have doubled their lead about five minutes later when Fergus Burke sent Max Malins on his way, only for the fullback to spill the ball forward following a great defensive intervention from Cadan Murley. Quins’ defense proved stubborn once again shortly after when Tobias Elliott was held up over the line.
Tom Willis was playing his final home game for Saracens, and he showed everyone in attendance just how good he truly is with an explosive carry. The 27-year-old back-rower offloaded the ball perfectly to Nick Tompkins, who sent Ben Earl through before Earl gifted the ball to Max Malins to score and extend the hosts' lead.
With Saracens 12-0 up at half-time, Harlequins knew drastic improvement was needed in the second half if they were to spoil the hosts' afternoon.
As the North London weather began to heat up, both sides looked to their benches for fresh legs and a burst of energy. Will Evans was one of those players Harlequins turned to, and he duly delivered. The back-rower found a gap and made a huge run upfield before playing the ball off to Bryn Bradley to crash over, putting the visitors right back into contention.
Saracens had the chance to extend their lead, but Owen Farrell couldn’t quite get his long-range penalty attempt on target, meaning the gap remained at five. However, the home side did soon add to their tally. With four minutes left on the clock, Welsh centre Nick Tompkins went over from close range after good work from teammate Olly Hartley.
Harlequins weren’t willing to just roll over, though, and soon fired back with a try of their own. Cam Anderson had put in an impressive performance, and he was rewarded in the 78th minute by scoring in the corner. Marcus Smith was unable to add the extras this time around.
With the score at 19-12 and the clock approaching the red, Saracens knew they ultimately needed a bonus point to boost their chances of securing the final remaining playoff spot. They found themselves with a lineout in a great position, and when Theo Dan was at the back of the rolling maul, there was only ever going to be one conclusion: a bonus-point try for Saracens in the 81st minute.
The sold-out StoneX Stadium erupted as the final whistle blew. The home side picked up a massive bonus-point win in their final home game of the season, and there are very few feelings better than beating your local rival.
After the game, there was cause for celebration in both camps. Harlequins celebrated the 50th appearances of Chandler Cunningham-South and Jack Musk, as well as the 150th appearance of Cadan Murley. Saracens, meanwhile, celebrated their departing players—including the aforementioned Tom Willis, who is heading to France to join European champions Bordeaux. But more importantly, they were celebrating Mark McCall and all he has achieved in his 15 years with the North London outfit.
Next week marks the final round of the regular season in the Gallagher Premiership. Harlequins will host table-toppers Northampton Saints, whilst it is all to play for at Sandy Park, where Saracens travel to face Exeter Chiefs in a massive clash to decide fourth place.
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