So Close

It had to happen one day. So many times Quins have won games with last gasp scores in the last couple of seasons and it almost happened again when Marcus Smith had a conversion attempt to put Quins into the last eight. For once the magic was missing and his attempt was wide with a hard working Montepellier losing 33-20 on the day but going through 60-59 on aggregate.

Tough luck on Marcus but he will  bounce back. 

The tie was really lost in the first half of the first leg,  but should have been won in the last quarter with Quins camped in Montepellier's right corner. Scrum after scrum, penalty after penalty, no yellow cards and crucially no score for Quins as the clock ticked ominously on.

A score of any kind - penalty try or normal try or even three points would have been crucial. Doubtless, that will be the main point of discussion when the lads return to the training ground.

The competition has benefitted from being held over two legs and the packed crowd were royally entertained by two contrasting styles. Montpeller having the luxury of being able to make 13 changes - most of them internationals. 

A great start as Quins scored in the first minute as Dombrandt broke through to send Jones in (left). Reilhac replied for the visitors and then Dombrandt powered over for Quins' second try. (right)

Superb skill from  Danny Care who juts kept the ball in play - the flick behind his  back set Smith off on a run to send Marchant in.

Nip and tuck. Tisseron for Montpellier and then Lynagh to give Quins an 11 points lead and a three point overall deficit at the break.

It was more attritional in the second half as Montpellier defended stoutly line and Quins ran out of ideas. Smith did evade the defence with one run on the outside but the try was ruled out for crossing

There was palpable relief when Lynagh got his second to take his side to within just one point with the final whistle imminent. A real pressure kick but one normally within Smith's considerable orbit. For once it was not to be.