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Harlequins hold off Northampton Saints for win

Harlequins hold off Saints for win
© PA Photos
Harlequins hold off a late Northampton Saints fightback to claim a 22-19 win.

Defending champions Harlequins held off a late comeback from Northampton Saints to earn a 22-19 victory at the Stoop.

The result means that Quins will meet Leicester Tigers in the semi-finals, while Saints will face league leaders Saracens.

It took 15 minutes for the game's first points, but a Nick Evans penalty put Harlequins in front.

With 27 minutes on the clock, the home side extended their advantage with a Tom Williams try following a superb Danny Care grubber kick. Evans added the extras to give Quins a 10-point advantage.

However, Northampton got themselves back in the game eight minutes later when Jamie Elliott scored a try for the visitors to take them into the break trailing 10-5.

It didn't take long after half time for the hosts to extend their lead with Rob Buchanan's try being added to by Evans's kick for a 17-5 score.

Tom Casson added a third Quins's try seven minutes later to make it 22-5.

However, Saints again found a reaction when Dylan Hartley's try allowed Stephen Myler to reduce the deficit to 22-12.

Northampton scored again shortly after when Christian Day's try brought the away side within three points of drawing level.

Quins managed to hold on to secure a 22-19 win.

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Harlequins' Rob Buchanan scores his team's first try against Gloucester on March 29, 2013
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