Harlequins edge past Leinster to maintain winning start in Europe

Harlequins have recorded a two-try victory over Leinster this evening to maintain their winning start in the European Rugby Champions Cup, coming out on top 24-18 at Twickenham Stoop.

The first half was tightly contested with neither side able to add a try, instead sharing three penalties apiece to go into the break all square.

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Nick Evans was the first to kick over early on, before Tim Swiel added two more from the boot. Ian Madigan was tasked with kicking duties for the visitors, and he was successful on three occasions in the opening 40 minutes.

Maddigan split the sticks once more shortly after the restart as the second half looked to be heading the same way as the first, although Nick Easter crossed over on 54 minutes to add the first try of the contest.

The Quins were able to build on their breakthrough as Aseli Tikoirotuma found the whitewash on the hour, but Maddigan's precise kicking gave Leinster real hope of maintaining their winning start in the competition having added his fifth and sixth penalties with 10 minutes still left to play.

Harlequins did make sure of the victory late on, however, courtesy of Danny Care's drop-goal which extends their advantage at the summit to three points.