Harlequins 28 Gloucester 24

I must speak to Pargie ( John Pargiter) and ask him the odds for Harlequins losing at halftime and winning at full time.  Not great I imagine as except for the recent 31-32 defeat by Northampton Saints , it happens  seemingly every game.

The Harlequins powers -that – be took a risk by relocating the game to Twickenham.  After all Quins were home and hosed for the playoffs ( equally certain to be at Saracens ) so the only issue was the fourth place which a Gloucester win might involve them rather than Northampton.

Indeed the game went to normal service with a trademark Quins come back.  I was reassured as Quins coped well with the renowned Gloucester maul and even more that whilst Marcus Smith , Andre Esthuizen and Caden Murley did not sparkle , Joe Marchant stepped up to the plate with another inspiring shift at centre.

I stayed with the BT coverage to watch Quins opponents in the semis on June 11 Saracens.  It was a typical Saracens performance of dull but efficient rugby to beat Northampton .  I can hardly wait for the contrast of styles and  Smith v Farrell. Speaking to Alan Tanner he said most avid followers of a team are by definition pessimists. Most Fulham fans are therefore predicting another relegation.  It’s a way of protecting yourself against disappointment and saying “I told you so “ So most Quins I know feel they will not repeat the play off comebacks of last year and be beheaded by the Saracens scimitar.  We shall see.