Harlequins 22-14 Exeter Chiefs: Quins hold off Exeter fightback to claim Gallagher Premiership win

Jack Kenningham, Will Joseph and Louis Lynagh scored first-half tries for Harlequins, who held off the late Exeter setback to clinch the Premiership win; Ehren Painter and Dan Frost scored Exeter tries in defeat, but Will Edwards’ penalty with the final kick even robbed Exeter of losing bonus point

Harlequins recorded their first league win of the Gallagher Premiership season with a hard-fought 22-14 win over Exeter at the Stoop.

There was little between the sides, but the hosts had slightly more attacking flair than their opponents as Jarrod Evans and Luke Northmore had more ideas on how to break down stubborn defences.

This resulted in three tries for Quins through Jack Kenningham, Will Joseph and Louis Lynagh, with Evans kicking two conversions. Will Edwards added a penalty.

Exeter responded with tries from front rowers Ehren Painter and Dan Frost, both of whom converted Henry Slade.

An excellent 50-yard run from fullback Josh Hodge gave Exeter an early attacking platform and they took advantage as Painter powered his way through.

Within four minutes Quins were level when a well-timed pass gave Kenningham an easy run-in as both sides looked to take advantage of the excellent playing conditions.

A third attempt seemed inevitable and it soon gave the hosts the lead for the first time. Thirty yards out, an inside pass from Evans gave Lynagh the chance to jump past two defenders and score.

Evans converted and his side had a 14-7 lead at the end of an enterprising first quarter before Exeter suffered a huge blow when they lost Hodge to an arm injury after he fell awkwardly while dealing with a high ball.

Jack Kenningham responded with a try for Quins after an early Exeter score

Chiefs soon suffered another setback when Quins scored their third try. A strong burst from Northmore put the defense on the back foot before the ball was recycled for Joseph to run over in the corner.

Evans missed the conversion, but Quins deservedly had a 19-7 interval advantage.

Chiefs started the second half strongly to put pressure on the home defence, but they continued to lose possession at crucial moments. Inaccurate passing and frequent ball losses greatly hampered their scoring chances.

As a result, a competitive third quarter ended scoreless, mainly due to Exeter replacement Immanuel Feyi-Waboso showing exceptional speed and denying Tyrone Green a touchdown.

Exeter put up a late second half battle but ultimately finished without even a losing bonus point

The home side suffered an injury when the impressive Northmore was helped off the field with a leg injury and replaced by Edwards.

Exeter immediately capitalized with a Frost try from a drive line-out which Slade converted to set up a grandstand finish.

There were nine minutes left on the clock but Exeter could get no closer as the hosts regrouped to keep their opponents at bay in the closing stages with a last-minute penalty from Edwards, denying Chiefs a deserved bonus point.