Rugby Union: Harlequins yield to Yates' drop

Harlequins could struggle to qualify for Europe by finishing in the top four of the Courage League after their 31-30 defeat by Sale on Saturday.

Quins were stunned when Sale's Chris Yates atoned for conceding what appeared to be the decisive penalty in injury time to Thierry Lacroix. There was just time for the New Zealander, playing out of position in the centre, to land a winning long-range drop goal. The Cheshire club are lying fifth place with games in hand on Quins.

Gloucester leap-frogged Saracens into seventh place after continuing their winning run by completing the double over Orrell. After losing their first five league games they are piling up points like champions by taking advantage of facing all the strugglers twice during mid-season.