Quins fight back to defeat Scarlets

10:24pm Saturday 11th October 2008

A brilliant second-half comeback from Harlequins sealed their dramatic 29-22 Heineken Cup triumph against Scarlets at a stunned Stradey Park.

Quins trailed 19-3 at the interval of this see-sawing Pool 4 tie, but they looked a different side after the break.

Fly-half Chris Malone kicked 19 points, while tries from scrum-half Danny Care and wing Ugo Monye made it a miserable final European game at the famous old ground for home fans.

Scarlets had made a blistering start, full-back Morgan Stoddart crossing after just 32 seconds before Mark Jones touched down in the corner.

Quins got themselves on the board with a well-struck penalty from Malone, but Stephen Jones extended Scarlets' advantage to 13-3 after 23 minutes.

Some midfield brilliance from Regan King and Gavin Evans carved open Harlequins once more - but after the Kiwi was held up just short by Malone, the Scarlets had to be content with a second penalty success from Jones, who added a third before the break.

Two Malone penalties within seven minutes of the restart offered Quins renewed hope, only for Jones to claim another three points after strong work by the home eight.

But Quins won a penalty a few yards out from the line - and they made the most of it, with livewire Care darting over.

Malone converted, then added a penalty after Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on replacement Tani Fuga.

The momentum was now with Quins and an inch-perfect cross-kick from Malone sat up beautifully for wing Monye, who sprinted under the posts to give his side the lead for the first time. Malone kicked the conversion before adding another penalty.

Editor's Choice