Laycock credits Quins late show after huge Falcons effort
Quins ran in four tries in the last ten minutes to claim a 48-20 victory after Newcastle had reduced their lead to two points going into the closing stages.
“We didn’t feel the score-line reflected the game and the fact we’d put in such a huge defensive effort, but Quins are a quality side and they showed how they can pull away in that last ten minutes,” said Laycock, whose side are next in action on Friday night when they host Northampton Saints.
“We came down with a game plan to frustrate them, which I felt we did for a decent period.
“A couple of slip-offs at the end of the first half proved costly, and then going down to 14 men after half-time. We actually managed that period okay, but the toll it took on our bodies ended up showing in the last ten minutes, such was the huge effort that had gone in from the boys.
“When Quins had Will Evans sent to the sin-bin we were unable to capitalise on it, but we had a fantastic line-break from Mateo Carreras and the finish from Freddie Lockwood to get us within two points.
“Quins showed their class with four late tries and we didn’t have any answer to it, and they’re a quality side.”
Laycock added: “We knew they would keep coming and coming, and even in the first half you could see Marcus Smith keep looking for options. Our defence was so good at that point that he didn’t find any earlier on, but as we got towards the end things began to open up and they were able to make the most of it.
“The reality is such a huge defensive effort does take its toll, but it’s frustrating for everyone because we’d done so well to be right in the contest going into the last 15 minutes.
“You’ve got to tip your hat to Quins because they scored some outstanding tries, but there were things within our own control which we could have been sharper on. The players said as much in their own huddle on the field straight after the game, and we’ve got to dust ourselves down.
“We’ve got a short turnaround before Friday night’s home game against Northampton, and everyone’s excited about that challenge.
“Northampton had a good win over Saracens today and they’re a side who score a lot of tries, so that will be a great test and is one we’re really looking forward to.”
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