With the score 16-15 at half-time, the game was very evenly balanced until the final quarter when superior fitness and skill levels broke down a tired Llanelli defence to create excellent tries for the Quins backs.

The game was marred by several outbreaks of "handbags at 12 paces" and both teams suffered from having players sent to the sin-bin. As the referee struggled to see a multitude of off the ball incidents, the case for a 'team of three' for fixtures at this level was surely made.

A pleasing feature of this game was the opportunity taken by the young Quins players to fill the Under 21 jerseys for the first time; with five players away on Under 21 International duty, and a rash of others representing England at Under 18 and Under 19 levels. 11 of the match squad are currently Under 19 players and the majority of the others will still be Under 21 next season.

NEC Harlequins Under 21's: Muggridge, Dott, de Jaeger, Boshier, Cripps, Cread ©, Wood, Hart, James, Cousins, McGovern, Masson, Brown, Chinudu, Koloko

Replacements: Payne, Warington-Mattei, Inglis, Street, Amesbury, Monye (ND)