Saracens crossed the whitewash first, before Quins responded through Benjamin Urdapilleta. Rory Clegg and Mordt kept the scoreboard ticking, before Saracens were able to capitalise on a George Merrick yellow card late in the first half.

The second half brought two more tries for the hosts, but the boot of Urdapilleta and brave defending from the pressured visitors, kept Quins within one score. It was the Quins' forward pack that then reversed earlier forward dominance to threaten the Sarries line, but a late upset wasn't to be.

As both sides levelled each other up in the opening minutes, Clegg and Mordt settled the nerves through their boots. Early tactical kicking from Clegg kept the home side pinned in their own half.

However, ill discipline from the Quins defence allowed the home side to work their way up field and gain a lineout five metres from Quins' line.

From the set piece, the forwards caught and drove the ball over the line, the conversion was missed by Mordt and Saracens took an 8-6 lead on 17 minutes.

Quins then responded five minutes later when Tom Williams caught a clearance kick. The winger, from the counter attack, skipped through the defensive line and offloaded to Urdapilleta who ran in from the Saracens 10 metre line. Clegg made no mistake with the conversion and put Quins into an 8-13 lead.

Mordt was able to add another penalty before George Merrick was sin binned for a repeated team infringement at the breakdown. Saracens again kicked for the corner and from five metres out, drove their way over the line. Mordt was again unsuccessful with the conversion and the half ended with Saracens taking a 16-13 lead.

With Quins back to 15 men in the second half, the visitors sustained vast amounts of territorial pressure and dominance from Saracens' forwards. Another forward orientated try increased Sarries' lead to 21-13 after 52 minutes.

Saracens' relentless attack didn't stop there as they stayed camped in Quins' half. Although Quins were able to win valuable turnovers, thanks to Kyle Sinckler and Joe Trayfoot, alongside strong defensive play from Matt Hopper and Tom Bristow, this didn't stop Saracens' pressure.

Urdapilleta managed to kick one penalty to bring the scores to 21-16 on the hour mark. Quins' fortunes then turned as Saracens' Nick Auterac was shown a yellow card for killing the ball. A huge scrum by the Quins pack proved pivotal as they turned a Saracens ball to begin the late surge.

Saracens discipline and dominance began to fall away. Two powerful rolling mauls, lead by captain Will Skinner and Rob Buchanan, brought them right onto the Saracens line. Richard Bolt released the backline after numerous phases, but replacement Miles Mantella was bundled into touch.

From here, Saracens were able to run down the clock and hold on for the win.

Final score Saracens Storm 21 - 16 Harlequins A