Gloucester rally after early injury to Lion to dent Quins' Euro hopes

Gloucester landed a potentially crucial blow in their duel with Harlequins for Champions Cup qualification next season by triumphing 26-19 at The Stoop.

Arthur Clark returned from England squad duties during the Six Nation to barge over for the decisive try seven minutes from time, rewarding a strong finish from George Skivington’s team.

Gloucester twice battled back from falling seven points behind to register their second win of the Gallagher PREM season – both of them coming against Quins, who remain in ninth place and are now six points adrift of their rivals

Harlequins were overrun at the set-piece and paid the price for not capitalising on their red zone visits in the second half, with even the return of England playmaker Marcus Smith failing to inspire them.

Interim head coach Jason Gilmore said Smith had a “point to prove” after being limited to four replacement appearances as a full-back during the Six Nations, but this scrappy afternoon was not the stage to argue his right to start at fly-half.

Tomos Williams departing in 18th minute with a right shoulder injury was the only cloud on the horizon of an otherwise fine afternoon for Gloucester.

There was nothing between the rivals in the first quarter with Jack Clement drawing first blood to reward an impressive start by Gloucester before Ben Waghorn replied once Quins had found their rhythm.

Each player showed strength to cross from close range, but would also have been stopped by more determined defending.

Smith was trying to make things happen but only with glimpses of success until Quins’ attack clicked in the 28th minute when quick ball off the the back of a line-out draw saw him sprint over after taking the final pass from Alex Dombrandt.

Gloucester responded by taking bites out of the home set-piece, winning a scrum against the head and then picking off a line-out even though openside Lewis Ludlow had been sin-binned for a dangerous clear out.

Smith danced through a gap to launch a Quins raid but they were turned over again with Clement doing the damage on the floor and then the England playmaker fumbled under pressure to end a promising counter attack.

Harlequins were spending more time in opposition territory but a malfunctioning line-out was proving costly as repeated visits to the 22 passed without any points being registered and when a move broke down in midfield, Gloucester struck.

It was Rodrigo Isgro’s wayward pass that did the damage to the home side, but there was still work to do with the ball being fed to Ben Redshaw who showed gas to race over in the right corner.

Quins’ determined response restored their seven-point cushion with their pack softening up the visiting before until Jack Kenningham spied his chance, but Gloucester hit straight back with a fine try for Charlie Atkinson.

Atkinson converted to level the score and the theme of Gloucester’s set-piece dominance continued with Clark going over from another strong line-out to tighten his team’s grip on the final Champions Cup qualification spot.