Breakaway try ends Quins hopes of top spot

HARLEQUINS missed an opportunity to go top of their European Challenge Cup pool as they slipped to a narrow defeat in Grenoble.

A decisive second half try from former Auckland Blues star Lolagi Visinia plus 15 points from the boots of Corenin Glenat and Burton Francis was enough to see the home side claim a well earnt victory.

Marcus Smith was responsible for all of the visitors’ 13 points which also included an early try.

Grenoble outside half Glenat opened the scoring when Renaldo Bothma found himself trapped on the wrong side of the ruck.

But Harlequins hit back when Smith showed some great foresight to pick off Theo Nanette’s pass to run in unopposed for the opening try.

The hosts began to exert a large amount of pressure in the Harlequins 22 with Glenat successful with a penalty after the visitors had infringed at the breakdown.

Grenoble struggled to breach a resolute Harlequins defence and had to make do with another three points from the boot of Glenat meaning the visitors turned around 9-3 behind at the interval.

Smith put Quins ahead straight after half time as Grenoble were pinged for being offside.

Gustard’s side were far more aggressive in the second half and were able to keep possession for longer periods. Grenoble infringed yet again gifting Smith an easy three points from the kicking tee.

The visitors began to gain the upper hand in the scrum with Kyle Sinkler and Jack Clifford’s dynamic ball carrying punching holes in the Grenoble defence.

Quins were inches away from extending their lead when Clifford burst straight through the French side’s defence but his pass to Charlie Walker was wayward, allowing Grenoble to regather possession.

The English outfit were camped on Grenoble’s 22 with James Chisholm and Joe Marler coming close to burrowing their way over the try line. But yet again they were turned over by their hosts.

With Harlequins in possession, the ball was spilt backwards for Grenoble wing Visinia to dart downfield for a try which came against the run of play.

Visinia’s try gave the Top 14 outfit a much-needed confidence boost as they began pressurising the Harlequins line through a series of driving lineouts which eventually resulted in a penalty.

Francis added a further three points from the touchline to extend their lead.