An inspired second half performance saw Saracens bounce back from a tough first half to score three unanswered tries and claim a 27-20 win over London rivals Harlequins in front of a crowd of over 42,000 at London Stadium.

Despite trailing 6-17 at the break the home side rallied in the second forty to put in in a much improved display and wrestle momentum away from the visitors to secure victory.

Despite flashes of life from both sides at points it was in many respects a tricky start for both sides to this afternoon’s derby match up at London Stadium. Alex Goode looked lively for the home side at fly half but attacking chances remained limited as Saracens struggled to find a rhythm in the early stages of the game.

A penalty from the boot of Marcus Smith opened the scoring after the ten minute mark but opportunities were to remain few and fair between until well in to the half.

Saracens’ best attacking chance came on 25 minutes as they moved the ball through the phases to establish themselves inches from the Quins line. It wasn’t to be though, the ball slipping away from the hands of Vincent Koch before he could gather the pass.

While a fine last ditch tackle from David Strettle ensured the opening half an hour remained try-less, there was no to be no such reprieve when Quins fly half Marcus Smith put in a neat dummy to dodge round the Saracens defence and sprint away to the try line moments later. Smith converted his own try to secure a 0-10 lead for the visitors.

Patient play and two penalties from Alex Lozowski allowed Saracens to build a foothold in the game as the half wound down, and it looked as if just four points would separate the sides as they headed in at the break. In the end though it was to be a frustrating end to what had been a frustrating half for the home side. A mistimed kick out of play allowed Quins the chance to set up a maul and, with the clock in the red, gave Danny Care the opportunity to sneak over the whitewash.

Back out after the break Saracens looked to have made a bright start to the second forty when Billy Vunipola bulldozed his way through to the line, only for the effort to be chalked off by the TMO when replays showed Vunipola colliding with referee JP O’Doyle on his way to score.

There was more luck though for another of Sarries’ back rowers though when Schalk Burger found his way through to the line moments later to pull Saracens back to within four points. The try saw the momentum shift to the home side as a greater dynamism crept in to the Saracens game. Blending lively attack and impressive physicality Sarries built the pressure on their south London rivals and looked to be in for a second score courtesy of David Strettle shortly after the hour mark. Once again though the TMO was called in to action and Saracens saw another score disallowed after the officials spotted an off the ball incident between Danny Care and Liam Williams which saw both sides temporarily reduced to 14 men.

A second half brace for man of the match Will Skelton saw Sarries edge ahead of Quins, completing their second half come back. A long range penalty from Marcus Smith was all the visitors could muster as Saracens held on to secure a hard fought victory and cement their second place position in the Gallagher Premiership. An important win for the north Londoners, but Mark McCall’s side will be looking for improvements as they now prepare to welcome Glasgow in the Heineken Champions Cup next weekend.