Prem Rugby Cup: Harlequins 24-40 Northampton

Archie McParland’s hat-trick helped Northampton Saints battle back to beat Harlequins 40-24 and boost their hopes of reaching the Prem Rugby Cup semi-finals.

Quins, who are now eliminated after losing five of their six group matches, raced into a 19-0 lead thanks to goals from Tom Leday, Luke Yendell and Cassius Cleaves.

McParland cut the deficit to five points in the first half with two good tries before Cam Anderson extended Queen’s lead after the break.

Anthony Bellew crossed to keep Saints in touch and Ollie Slitholme raced in to put the visitors ahead at the Twickenham Stop.

Jake Murray thought he had put Queens back in front but his effort was badly disallowed for offside early in the attack and McParland made sure of the win when he got under the posts.

Luster was added to the scoreline as a late penalty attempt moved Northampton above Saracens into second place in Group B.

The top two teams in each group will qualify for the semi-finals in March.

The Saints visit Newcastle Red Bulls next Friday, before wrapping up the pool stage with a knock-out match against Saracens at Franklin Gardens on February 28.

Northampton had to work hard for their win at the hands of a Quins side who knew they were out of the competition before kick-off.

The home side’s task was made easier in the early stages when Saints’ Luke Green was sent into the sin box for a dangerous clearance that stretched Ethan Clarke.

But just as Quins looked to be running away, 20-year-old McParland finished off a brilliant move to put Northampton ahead and then crossed the ball after a brilliant break from James Rahm.

With Saints leading 26-24 after Sleightholme’s extra point attempt, Murray raced in for Quins.

However, referee Harry Wallbaum disallowed the goal after seeing that Murray was in an offside position when a powerful kick was sent across goal.

Moments later Sam Graham raced off one of the rocks and found McParland who sprinted over the whitewash for his third attempt.