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Rugby League

Harlequins steal shock two-point win

12/08/2006

Harlequins held off a late charge by fourth-placed Bradford Bulls to win an enthralling Super League encounter 28-26 at the Twickenham Stoop.

With former Bradford stand-off Henry Paul's kicking to the fore, Quins grabbed a victory that may well have put an end to any lingering relegation concerns.

It all seemed so unlikely when Bradford Bulls chalked up two scores within the first fourteen minutes bringing back memories of the 58-16 beating that they handed out last time they were in the capital.

After New Zealand winger Lesley Vainikolo's early brace, Chad Randall responded with a touchdown for the home side but Shontanye Hape soon restored the Bulls' healthy lead.

But a five-minute burst containing three tries saw Harlequins swing the game decisively in their direction as Luke Dorn and Lee Hopkins crossed the line and Russell added a second to give Brian McDermott's men a 22-14 lead at the break.

A Tyrone Smith try three minutes into the second period took the hosts further into the lead, but it was one Bradford came close to overhauling as the game wore on.

Tries from Bulls' Paul Deacon and Brett Ferres were separated by a crucial penalty goal by Henry Paul that ultimately proved the difference between the two sides.

The two-point gap remained through a frenetic final quarter as Quins defended stoutly against an inevitable late onslaught from Bradford.

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