Quins edge out new 'SArries'

Harlequins defeated Saracens by three points on the first day of the season, and completed the double by six on Saturday, which sums up the fine margins in the Guinness Premiership. Had the wins gone the other way it would be Sarries more confident of a shot at the play-offs in May, and Will Skinner's Quins stuck on the cusp of the elite.

Instead, Saracens are seventh in the Premiership and living a weird half-existence while their owners proceed with plans to attract supporters among hundreds of thousands of London's South African ex-pats. Chris Jack, Saracens' former All Black lock, would, ordinarily, be considered a prized asset. The new ''SArries'', as some fans dub them, have asked Jack to leave with 15 months of his contract remaining. Among the players believed to be in the same boat are Kevin Sorrell, Nick Lloyd, Matt Cairns, Dave Seymour, Cencus Johnston, Andy Kyriacou, Alex Walker, Rodd Penney, Ben Skirving and Ben Jacobs. "I suppose the world's my oyster, I could stay in Europe or I could go home," said Jack. "Some of the guys are struggling to get contracts elsewhere, especially the injured fellows. I was really enjoying it this season, off and on we were playing some really good rugby, and it's disappointing to no longer be a part of it."

It is quite a test of resolve and professionalism for Eddie Jones, the Saracens director of rugby who is seeing out his notice having resigned last month. "We've got players going to France, we've got players going everywhere, mate," said Jones.

Skinner, the Harlequins captain, collected a cut head in his side's typical performance of solid set-piece work and teasing their opponents until the gaps appeared for a try in each half by Ceri Jones, the tight-head prop, and Danny Care, the scrum-half. Saracens' co-captains, Steve Borthwick and Andy Farrell, were rested (Borthwick being on England time) and looked on as Wikus van Heerden, in the vanguard of the South African invasion, and Richard Haughton, one of the English youngsters staying on for the time being at least, scored Sarries' tries. Farrell is set for a coaching role; while for those less assured, the players' association have been in daily email contact.

Scorers: Harlequins: Tries Jones, Care; Conversion N Evans; Penalties N Evans 3. Saracens: Tries Van Heerden, Haughton; Conversion: Jackson; Penalty: Jackson.

Harlequins: M Brown; D Strettle, G Tiesi, J Turner-Hall, U Monye (T Williams, 63); N Evans, D Care; C Jones, G Botha, M Ross, O Kohn (J Evans, 59), G Robson, C Robshaw, W Skinner (capt), T Guest.

Saracens: A Goode; R Haughton, K Ratuvou, A Powell (B Barritt, 73), N Cato (R Penney, 37); G Jackson, J Marshall; M Aguero, M Cairns (A Kyriacou, 40), T Mercey (C Visagie, 40), C Jack, H Vyvyan (T Ryder, 50), W van Heerden (capt), D Seymour, B Skirving (D Barrell, 66).

Referee: A Small.