Underdogs defeat reigning champions
It was an outcome not many expected, but fourth place Harlequins, playing in their first Premiership final in nine years, defeat reigning champions Exeter Chiefs in the 2021 Premiership Rugby final.
Exeter had the opportunity to defend their Premiership title for the first-ever time, but it wasn’t to be; a heart-breaking afternoon for Chiefs supporters in the capital.
10,000 fans were at Twickenham to watch Devon’s finest, playing in their sixth successive Premiership final, due to covid restrictions.
The reigning champions got off to the worst possible start, less than five minutes in, Quins scored a penalty try and Jonny Hill received a yellow card.
Exeter, however, responded superbly. Just before the 20-minute mark, Jonny Gray crashed over the line from close range. Joe Simmonds added the extras to level proceedings.
15 minutes before the break, things got even better. Alec Hepburn nudged Chiefs into the lead for the first time with another close-range surge; Quins star Marcus Smith was sin binned in the process.
However, like they did in their semi-final last week, underdogs Quins produced another remarkable comeback with a late onslaught. With less than five minutes to play, they scored two tries, giving them a somewhat unexpected 19-14 lead at the break.
Quins, yet again, had a sensational start to the half. The London based club scored an exquisite team try, starting from their own half, finished by Esterhuizen in the corner. They led by 12.
Exeter started to land a few blows of their own. Premiership Rugby’s player of the year Sam Simmonds crashed over under the posts to reduce the deficit. His brother Joe slotted the extras.
Suddenly, Exeter regained the lead; Joe Simmonds made a fine break before off lading the ball to Devoto – who dotted down under the posts. Now Exeter found themselves in the driving seat, they led by two.
Simmonds added three more points with a penalty kick on the hour mark – but two late converted tries for Quins gave them a nine-point lead with two minutes to play.
Chiefs substitute Stuart Hogg gave Exeter a glimmer of hope with a late try at the death, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit.
It finished: Harlequins 40 Exeter 38
Match report in association with LeRoy Funeral Services of Exeter and Crediton.
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