Gavin Henson started his first game for six months as holders Ospreys survived a scare to beat Harlequins 24-23 in the Anglo-Welsh Cup Sunday

Wales centre Henson, confined to a brief substitute's appearance since suffering an ankle injury against Saracens last season, finally enjoyed a start at the Liberty Stadium.

Hovever, his return did little to inspire Ospreys against an under-strength Harlequins.

Quins were missing England quartet Danny Care, David Strettle, Mike Brown and Nick Easter, but still came within seconds of winning.

It took an injury-time try from substitute Tommy Bowe that fly-half James Hook converted in nerveless fashion from the touchline to seal the victory for the hosts.

Hook earlier booted four penalties, giving him 14 points, while international wing Shane Williams scored from the game's best move.

Quins nearly delivered the surprise result of this season's Anglo-Welsh tournament so far thanks to second-half tries from centre De Wet Barry and hooker Tani Fuga.

Fijian fly-half Waisea Luveniyali added three penalties and two conversions, yet Quins could ultimately only reflect on a heart-breaking defeat.

Ospreys coach Sean Holley admitted there were "a few bruised egos" after the dramatic finale.

"It was a classic get out of jail situation," he said. "It was a bit too close for comfort. Quins deserve a lot of credit - they were very tenacious - and there are clearly elements of the game for us to work on.

"Perhaps everyone in the world, except the 22 guys in the Quins dressing room, expected a 50-pointer."

Saracens continued England's losing run in the opening round as they went down 26-17 to the Scarlets.

The visitors took the lead through David Lyons but Sarries hit back as Francisco Leonelli and Noah Cato went over.

Stephen Jones kicked Scarlets into a 16-14 half-time lead before Gordon Ross answered but former All Blacks prop Kees Meeuws' try and a Jones penalty saw the Welsh side home.

Owen Farrell, 17, the son of international star Andy, became the youngest English player since rugby union went pro when he came on for Saracens after 67 minutes.

Miles Benjamin scored twice as Worcester started their campaign with a 22-5 victory over Premiership rivals London Irish.

Benjamin, 20, gave Worcester a 16th-minute lead with a converted try and Graham Kitchener added a second as the hosts led 12-0 at half-time.

Peter Richards finally got the Exiles on the board after 54 minutes. But Benjamin scored his second midway through the half and Loki Crichton added a fourth try late on.

AFP

Back to Home

Print