Saracens 34 Harlequins 26

Yesterday I made the somewhat arduous journey to the Tottenham Stadium with 55,000 other spectators to see the match billed as a showdown between the two great London teams from North and West London.

It hurts me to say it but Sarries were worthy winners in an entertaining contest in which Quins led only in the opening minutes.

The Tottenham stadium is impressive but has one major logistical fault: no near tube station. The nearest is Seven Sisters and that is a 30 minute walk. Taxis and mini cabs are impossible to find so we took the bus to Kings Cross.

They also need to brush up their hospitality.

The greeting was poor, we were then misdirected and, at the bar level, there was inadequate seating. Pre-cooked food was below par, drinks expensive and there was lengthy queueing required.

The view is however terrific and – as in most rugby matches there was nothing nasty between the supporters – I could wear my Quins shirt without fear.

Quins needed to win to have any chance of making the play-offs whilst Sarries sit atop the Premiership.

They have all their England stars back but it was a reject – Billy Vunipola – who looked the most impressive. I felt Farrell v Smith was inconclusive with possibly Farrell shading it for his role in a well-marshalled defence.

In the second half Quins’ Nick David ended a brilliant run with a knock-on and after that Sarries continued to batter Quins.

Joe Launchbury cannot arrive quickly enough. Andre Esterhuizen’s best contribution was to knock the referee over.

I thought Quins best player was Caden Murley with two tries.

As we crawled back to my host’s home near Victoria the old debate of TV versus attendance reared its head with general agreement that we would all be less tired if we watched the proceedings on television.

My hosts are Spurs supporters and that ground – as long as I can remember – has been one of the worst to get away from.

Oh to have within easy reach a loo, a fridge of cold beers and a comfy sofa.