Harlequins up to third as Gustard hails record-breaker Brown

Paul Gustard, the Harlequins coach, was delighted to see his side help Mike Brown celebrate his record-breaking 308th appearance for the club with a clinical victory over Newcastle.

Brown was not among Quins’ five try-scorers but played his part to the full as the visitors moved up to third in the Gallagher Premiership.

No player has represented Quins more times than Brown and Gustard believes yesterday’s performance was the perfect way to mark the occasion.

He said: “To play 308 games at one club is an unbelievable achievement. To break a 35-year-old record is incredible and on top of that he has 70 caps for his country. He’s the most-capped Harlequin and the most-capped England full-back of all time.

“We’re really pleased that we were able to give him a win because in his 300th game and Danny Care’s 250th game we lost to Saracens.”

Quins had the four-try bonus point in the bank by half-time as they raced into 28-3 lead on the back of converted scores from Max Crumpton, Nathan Earle, Gabriel Ibitoye and Jack Clifford.

Alex Dombrandt further extended the lead at the start of the second half before injury-ravaged Newcastle salvaged some pride with converted tries by Vereniki Goneva and Callum Chick.

Newcastle now face a real battle for survival. They are rooted to the foot of the table and four points adrift of Worcester immediately above them.

Dean Richards, the Falcons director of rugby, said: “We have a huge amount of injuries and we are missing a great

‘To play in 308 games at a single club is an amazing feat’

deal of experience. In recent game we have been creating chances and just not taking them, but today the boys just did not turn up.”