HARLEQUINS 43 SARACENS 6

Harlequins were in irresistible form as they swept aside an inexperienced Saracens team in last Fridays Zurich Premiership London derby, writes Angus MacDonald.

Quins 43-6 victory bodes well for the remainder of the season and coach John Kingston said: The reason we put in a performance like that is because we have been working very, very hard.

The magnitude of Quins win was difficult to predict on the evidence of the opening 20 minutes, when honours were even with two goal kicks apiece.

But five minutes later, any momentum Saracens had was undermined when Kevin Sorrell was banished to 10 minutes in the sin bin.

Quins outside-half Paul Burke maintained momentum with astute use of the boot and the games first try arrived on half an hour from a lineout deep in Saracens territory. A clean take was followed by a rolling maul that allowed Tu Tamarua to sneak over.

A successful conversion and another penalty five minutes later gave Quins a half-time lead of 16-6.

Quins enjoyed a purple patch shortly after the break. Two penalties were followed by the best try of the match. Wonderfully quick hands by hooker Ace Tiatia freed Matt Moore to score in the corner. Burke converted.

Saracens, to their credit, stuck at it. But Quins confidence was now sky high and they ran in two further tries.

A delighted Kingston said: We are nothing flash, but we have been working hard and we will hopefully become a difficult side to beat.

One defeat in the last six Premiership games suggests that ambition is being realised.