Record-breaking Exeter edge past Harlequins

Harlequins missed out on the opportunity to move back into the Premiership play-off places as they lost to table-topping Exeter Chiefs.

Northampton Saints’ victory at Newcastle Falcons on Friday saw them leapfrog Harlequins and the now fifth-placed side could only respond by collecting a losing bonus point in a 17-15 defeat.

Exeter made a flying start and seized the outright record for consecutive matches with tries as Ollie Devoto dotted down inside two minutes of game 72.

Nic White went through soon afterwards and the Chiefs’ lead was extended further by Harry Williams’ try early in the second half.

Harlequins belatedly responded but it was only enough for a point as Sam Hidalgo-Clyne and Charlie Walker crossed in quick succession.

IT’S ALL OVER

@ExeterChiefs pushed to the bitter end by @Harlequins in a predictably bruising, physical #GallagherPrem encounter

Fine margins, but Chiefs showed their grit to hold off the second-half Quins storm

Did Quins deserve more? pic.twitter.com/0qd807ATNG

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) April 27, 2019

Second-placed Saracens won 31-14 at Wasps thanks to first-half tries from Ben Spencer, Liam Williams and Will Skelton.

Owen Farrell also kicked four penalties in a one-sided affair.

Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers are not yet entirely safe from relegation due to a painful late 23-20 home reverse at the hands of Bristol Bears.

Jordan Olowofela scored Leicester’s only try after half an hour, but George Ford’s kicking kept them in front until Harry Thacker crossed for Bristol’s third score five minutes from time.

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