Aviva Premiership
Harlequins 28
Gloucester 17
A WEEK after their fine win over the champions Exeter, an error-strewn Gloucester were outclassed by Harlequins in a 28-17 defeat at The Stoop.

South African-born fly-half Demetri Catrakilis kicked a 10th-minute penalty before he was carried from the field soon after with what appeared to be a throat injury.

Billy Burns levelled and a niggling, average opening half limped along until a huge thunderstorm brought a deluge of rain and sparked Quins into life.

Dave Ward grabbed the opening try in the 29th minute when centre Joe Marchant and Catrakilis' replacement, 18-year-old Marcus Smith, linked to give the flanker a run under the posts. Smith converted easily.

And, as the noise of the thunder rocked the stadium, Charlie Walker started and finished a brilliant attack through the Gloucester midfield. Smith's conversion from under the posts gave the hosts a 14-point half-time advantage.

As the thunder passed, Gloucester found another gear and were awarded a series of penalties inside the home 22 after Quins were fortunate not to give away a penalty try when lock Jeremy Thrush kicked the ball too hard into the home try area as centre Jamie Roberts bundled into him.

But Freddie Clarke put his side a converted try behind when a move near the Quins line saw him dive over from five metres, with Billy Burns adding the extras.

However, Gloucester started pushing the self-destruct button with their indiscipline and Quins were soon away and clear.

Teenager Smith booted two out of three kickable penalties and a cross-kick was tapped down by Marland Yarde to Mike Brown, who gave the pass back to the wing for an unconverted try.

Jacob Rowan's converted consolation try for the visitors came in the final seconds and left the 28-17 rather flattering the visitors.

Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann said: "It was very disappointing, not the result but the way we played.

"I don't want to take anything away from Harlequins but the mistakes we made just made it easy for them.

"We must have a good look at ourselves. I knew we should not get over-excited about week one. This is a big disappointment but we will put it behind us."