Harlequins (13) 27
Tries: Botha, penalty, J Evans Cons: Evans 3 Pens: Evans 2
Northampton (0) 6
Pens: Myler 2
 David Strettle made his Quins return following a metatarsal injury |
Harlequins swept aside Northampton to clinch a comfortable win at The Stoop. Hooker Gary Botha marked his return to the starting line-up with a third-minute try, converted by Evans, who added two penalties for a 13-0 lead. Northampton's second half began badly when they conceded a 51st-minute penalty try before Stephen Myler's penalties landed their only points. And Jim Evans rounded off the scoring with a try in the 67th minute, with namesake Nick adding the extras. The defeat means Northampton are still searching for their first away victory of the season, despite being unbeaten at home. Both sides were missing key players away on international duty with England, while the return of Andy Gommersall - in for Danny Care at scrum-half - led to Botha's opening try.  | 606: DEBATE |
Harlequins boss Dean Richards also recalled David Strettle into his starting XV after the England winger's recovery from a broken metatarsal bone. Quins dominated the first half and were unfortunate not to have scored their second try of the afternoon after a mistake from Sean Lamont inside his 22m line, but referee Christophe Burdos spotted an infringement at the ruck with the home side poised to score. The French official was soon in the thick of it once more, this time disallowing a Botha try after adjudging the South African hooker had cannoned off him before touching down. Myler gave the travelling away fans something to cheer on 54 minutes with a penalty, but Evans' try ended any hopes of a late Saints revival.
Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards:
"It was a bit of a turnaround from up there where we didn't perform. We got the rough end in terms of scrummaging there so we knew what to target and I thought we did it well." Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder:
"Mentally we weren't right. We were beaten in just about every area. "Quins did well slowing down our ball so we failed to get on the front foot and then we made an awful lot of mistakes in attack and defence. "It's becoming a big disappointment not managing to win any games away and on that display you won't. We didn't play well today, it's as simple as that."
Harlequins: Brown, Strettle, Barry, Turner-Hall, T. Williams, N. Evans, Gomarsall, Jones, Botha, Ross, Kohn, Robson, Robshaw, Skinner, Guest. Replacements: Stegmann for Turner-Hall (72), Malone for T. Williams (74), Poluleuligaga for Gomarsall (65), J. Evans for Robshaw (58). Not Used: Croall, Lambert, Mcmillan. Northampton: Reihana, Diggin, Clarke, Downey, Lamont, Myler, Dickson, Tonga'uiha, Shields, Stewart, Fernandez Lobbe, Kruger, Easter, S. Gray, Hopley. Replacements: Mayor for Downey (68), Everitt for Myler (72), Dickens for Dickson (72), Sharman for Shields (71), Smith for Stewart (65), Lawes for Fernandez Lobbe (61), Best for Easter (49). Att: 12,332 Ref: C Bardos (France).
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