Despite losing 23-18 to Connacht in the second leg of the semi-final, NEC Harlequins won through to the final of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup thanks to a 49-45 aggregate scoreline over the two legs. Trailing by four points going into the final quarter, Will Greenwood scored what would prove to be the decisive try 12 minutes from the end to take Quins into the final for the second time in three years.
Paul Burke increased Quins nine point advantage from the first leg by converting a penalty after ten minutes, though this was cancelled out in similar fashion by Connacht centre Mark McHugh. Burke then appeared to put Quins in total control of the tie after converting his own try as the game entered the second quarter, following some excellent driving work from the pack. Quins now led 10-3 on the day and 41-25 in the overall contest.
However, a fabulous fight back from the home side started 14 minutes before half-time as centre Darren Yapp capitalized on good work from Mike Walls and Eric Elwood to score Connacht's opening try of the afternoon. McHugh's successful conversion tied the score at ten-apiece and meant the overall deficit between the two sides was once again back to nine points with 40 minutes left to play of the semi-final (41-32).
A drop goal from Elwood and a second penalty from McHugh in the opening eight minutes of the second half cut Quins advantage to just three points, before Connacht took the lead with 25 minutes left to play. A fine individual effort from Elwood saw the former Irish international fly half touchdown under the posts and with McHugh adding the two extra points on offer from the conversion, the Irish province led the match 23-10 and the tie 45-41.
Quins fought back and opted to play for territory in the Connacht half. A period of sustained pressure finally resulted in Greenwood burrowing his way over from five metres out after 68 minutes for his second try of the semi-final. Burke failed to convert but Quins were now back in front on aggregate by a single point (46-45).
After failing to stretch Quins advantage with a drop goal attempt, Burke made no mistake in converting a penalty from in front of the posts with just 60 seconds of normal time left on the clock. Despite there being eight minutes of injury time, the visitors defence held out and Quins celebrated a place in the final at the close of play.
Final score, 23-18 (aggregate score 49-45 to Quins).
NEC Harlequins will face Montferrand in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup Final at the Madejski Stadium, Reading on Saturday 22nd May, kick-off 12.00pm.
