Last Saturday was the semi final play off for Quins against Northampton. Destination Twickenham, 26 May, Premiership playoff final. A season of games ultimately counting for nothing.  Quins came top of the league, but if they don’t win the playoffs, no-one (except us Quins fans) will remember.

The semi was a nervous affair.  Lots of kicking and running into hard defences.  Not so much chucking the ball wide. For most of the game it was an exchange of penalties, although Quins had the most possession. Then, with 15 minutes to go, Northampton broke free and scored a try. Converted.  They went ahead, 23-15. It started to feel like the season was over. But we got a penalty back, 23-18, and there was hope. The crowd really got going: it was the most intense atmosphere all season.  With about four minutes to go Quins massed on the Northampton line and scored a push over try.  Joe Marler the man. It went to the video ref and the tension mounted. The TV milked it.  Agony. Then it came up on the screen: TRY! Everyone went ape! Nev converted. 25-23. The Quins forwards stuck the ball up their jumpers and played out the last three minutes. We were through.

Through to the final!

It will be against Leicester, who beat Saracens in the other semi. It will be a tough, tough, game, but Quins can do it.

Anyway, a few rather ropey photos, from the iPhone, on the day.

The Quins boys striding out.

Joe Marler, man-monster, at the ready.

Nev kicking an early penalty.

Grappling for the high ball.

Scrum down!

Celebration!

Harley Bear, always there.

George Robson and Nick Easter – forward heroes.

Chris Robshaw, captain and all round hero; Nick Evans, fly half, controller, best in the league.

George Lowe, Matt Hopper, Sam Smith – all future England players.  In the orange vest Mark Lambert, front rower and resident Quins intellectual on Twitter.

Fingers crossed for the 26th!