Harlequins fight back to take the Academy crown

HARLEQUINS were crowned Premiership U18s Academy champions after they scored 20 unanswered points to beat Sale 20-8 in the final at Sixways on Thursday.

Luke James and Miles McDuffus each scored second half tries as Quins overcame an 8-3 half-time deficit to claim the title under the floodlights on Finals Day.

“We didn’t hit our strides in the first-half so we were keen to get on the front foot in the second half and start moving the ball,” said Quins captain Jake Hennesey.

“We ended up scoring two good tries to get the win which is great.

“It’s not the first time we had to come back from behind this season but we’re a close-knit bunch and it shows in days like this.

“Sale were a big and physical side. They knew what they were doing on the floor but we put our bodies on the line to get the result and I’m a very proud captain today.”

There was little between Harlequins and Sale during the opening stages of the final but Sharks’ scrumhalf Matt Sturgess did manage to dive over following a period of sustained pressure.

Sale opened up an eight-point lead as Kieran Wilkinson kicked a penalty but from then on it was all Harlequins as Marcus Smith reduced the deficit to five points.

In the second half, Harlequins’ James went over first before McDuffus’ quick instincts saw him dart across the line with both tries being converted by Smith as Quins became champions.

Elsewhere, Exeter fly-half Gwyn Parks kicked 19 points to help the Devon side beat

Wasps 29-28 in an thrilling third place play-off.

And Oliver Lawrence and Cameron Harrison scored two tries apiece as Worcester beat

Saracens 36-26 in a tentry thriller to claim fifth place overall.