In the opening round of the Gallagher PREM, Harlequins faced reigning champions Bath Rugby at the Twickenham Stoop.
There was doubt in the minds of many Quins’ fans as to whether The Quartered Men could piece together a competitive match against a team they have lost to five-times in a row.

Step forward Will Evans who scored a hat-trick of tries within the opening half-hour. Bath Rugby, however, were not sitting quietly. They put in thumping tackles, stole possession and were strong with their driving mauls: tries for Dunn and Sela. The boot of scrum-half and captain Spencer adding the conversions for the visitors; Jarrod Evans only making one from three for the hosts; Cunningham-South earning himself a stint in the sin-bin.

Half-time: Harlequins 17 – 14 Bath Rugby

The second-half couldn’t have started worse for the hosts. Obano crossing the whitewash and Spencer yet again converting, saw Bath Rugby take the lead for the first time in the game.

Chandler Cunningham-South returned to the pitch having served his expensive yellow card.

Bath dominated the third quarter of play; Quins twice defending their lines – once by holding-up the ball; the next with TMO (Television Match Official) confirmation showing a try-saving tackle, pushing Bath into touch before they could place the ball.

Injury-concerns for Harlequins as both Hookers left the pitch, forcing uncontested scrums from 54th minute. Bath Rugby took full advantage and scored their bonus-point try just two minutes later through Arundell. The floodgates opened as Griffin poached the next try for the visitors; Underhill adding his name, all the while Spencer kept adding the conversions.

With 10-minutes remaining, Quins took play into the opposition 22; earned two penalties on the bounce with Jack Kenningham scoring the all-important bonus-point try for Harlequins, Jarrod Evans adding the conversion.

Bath thought they had the final say with Arundell scoring his brace and another conversion added, but then Tyrone Green got in on the action with Jarrod Evans converting. That was the final play of the game; Bath just too strong; Harlequins tiring in defence.

Full time at the Twickenham Stoop: Harlequins 31 – 47 Bath Rugby