Harlequins 25 – 54 Exeter Chiefs

Harlequins hosted Exeter Chiefs in Big Game 14, a top four clash on the biggest stage at Twickenham Stadium. Harlequins battled hard in the first half, but it would be Chiefs who came out on top, claiming a 25-54 victory over the hosts.

Exeter started well, with two early first half tries from Zackary and Allen both converted by McGoverne to give the visitors a 0-14 lead on 13 minutes.

Quins replied well, with new England call-up Hannah Sims breaking through the Exeter defence.

Abby Dow followed in support, but Sims was brought down before she could get the pass away. Harlequins recycled well and were awarded a penalty for an Exeter offside. Bella McKenzie stepped up to the tee and slotted the penalty to give Quins their first points of the match.

With momentum swinging Quins' way, England scrum-half Lucy Packer soon followed with the next lot of points on 24 minutes, finishing off the score after a handful of Quins broke the Exeter defence. McKenzie added her second kick of the day to reduce the deficit to four points.

Another Bella McKenzie penalty brought Quins to within a point of Exeter, making the score 13-14 with five minutes to go.

Exeter would land the final blow of the half, a converted try would mean Quins trailed 13-21 at the break.

Harlequins came out firing in the second half, the outside backs combined for Quins to inspire their second try of the afternoon, with fullback Aucken spotting the chance to unleash wing Abby Dow down the right touchline for the score. No conversion, so Exeter led by three once more.

Exeter replied quickly with two scores of their own, from Jefferies and MacDonald, giving them a 18-35 lead with 20 minutes to go.

Quins struck back, quick ball from Impact Player Emma Swords opened up space, and prop Hannah Sims powered over from close range. Lagi Tuima converted to narrow Exeter's lead to just ten points.

Ultimately it would be three further tries from Exeter that would seal the visitors' win. MacDonald, McGillivray and Zackary's scores were all converted by McGoverne to make the final score 25-54 to Chiefs.

Harlequins travel to Bristol Bears next Saturday, for the final Allianz Premier 15s fixture before the league breaks for the TikTok Women's Six Nations.