Smith stars as Quins beat Saracens in first league win

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 19:19 · Archive

Marcus Smith marked his 200th Harlequins appearance with a player-of-the-match display as Quins beat Saracens 33-15 for their first league victory.

Marcus Smith marked his 200th Harlequins appearance in style, delivering a player-of-the-match performance as Quins beat Saracens 33-15 for their first league victory of the season. The fly-half scored a try within three minutes, the fastest try of the season so far, and controlled the hosts' attack with his running, distribution and tactical kicking. Quins ran in three first-half tries and a penalty try at The Stoop.

Saracens struggled to make an impact despite fielding England captain Maro Itoje, George Martin at lock and Ben Earl at number eight. The visitors conceded yellow cards to Ben Earl and Fergus Burke. Saracens' Rotimi Segun crossed the line for the visitors' only try.

Smith told TNT Sports after the match: 'Obviously, to get our first win of the season today, of all days, off the back of a storm, I was nervous coming out with the wind. Hopefully that can kick-start our Prem season.' The Guardian notes that Harlequins had been nought from three in the league before this victory, with the win easing pressure on head coach Jason Gilmore.

How it is being reported

• Marcus Smith's magic moment set the tone for Harlequins' derby day win over Saracens - and was finely timed before England's autumn camp, writes NIK SIMONNIK SIMON AT TWICKENHAM STOOP: Of all the 200 games in Marcus Smith's highlight reel, none have delivered a moment quite like this.Daily Mail Sport · 25 Oct, 19:42
• Marcus Smith produces timely reminder of his class as Harlequins sink SaracensHarlequins 33-15 Saracens England fly-half marks 200th appearance in style Marcus Smith celebrated his 200th Harlequins match in magnificent style. Perhaps there is a danger, at times, of taking his immense talent for granted, but the 27-year-old was simply unstoppable here. A powerful visiting Saracens side barely got a look-in, with Smith giving a reminder of his prodigious ability on the day Steve Borthwick names his England squad for a packed November schedule. Smith’s sensational running, distribution and tactical kicking masterfully controlled Quins’ attack for a badly needed success…The Guardian · 25 Oct, 17:30
• Smith stars as Quins beat Saracens to seal first league win of seasonAn electric Marcus Smith marked his 200th appearance for Harlequins in style, delivering a player-of-the-match performance as he guided his side to a 33-15 victory over Saracens.Sky Sports · 25 Oct, 15:05

In this story: Marcus Smith · Harlequins · Saracens · Maro Itoje · The Stoop

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