Leicester’s unlikely hero snatches share of spoils against Harlequins in annual festive treat
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Harlequins 34-34 Leicester: Dan Cole’s final-minute try continued a streak of three draws between these two sides in the annual ‘Big Game’ at Twickenham. What is it about Harlequins and Leicester Tigers? Perhaps it is the spirit of Christmas conviviality but thrice now have these two sides taken to Twickenham turf for the annual “Big Game” winter warmer and, on each occasion, nothing has split them.
It is an improbable run that continued here with a 34-34 thriller befitting one of the best days in the English rugby calendar. It remains a great feat that the Allianz Stadium is consistently full for a helping of Twixmas fare that always seems to go down a treat after the days of overindulgence. The draw here joined the 30-30 result of 2019 and 26-all affair that began this fine festive tradition back in 2008.
![[Ollie Hassell-Collins celebrates his try]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/28/18/newFile-3.jpg)
There are plenty of figures at other Premiership clubs that have looked on with envy at how Harlequins have turned this outing into a hot ticket. This was another near 82,000 sell-out for one of the best days in the English rugby calendar, interest not dipping even 16 editions in.
![[Cadan Murley scored twice for Harlequins]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/28/19/newFile-2.jpg)
It appeared that the swollen home crowd would be sent home happy with Harlequins’ season revived and Marcus Smith continuing his sparkling form on a patch that increasingly looks like home, but Leicester found an unlikely Christmas hero. Tries have not come often for Dan Cole in his long and illustrious but at a time of need, the veteran tighthead answered the call, old king Cole tumbling over in the final minute to allow Handre Pollard the chance to square affairs from the tee.
