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Last Updated: Saturday, 22 July 2006, 15:47 GMT 16:47 UK

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Harlequins 18-16 Hull

McLinden was in superb form for Harlequins in the first half

Harlequins 18 (18)
Tries: McLinden 3
Goals: Paul, Purdham 2

Hull 16 (2)
Tries: Domic, Tony, Blacklock
Goals: Dixon 2

Harlequins held off a late fightback at The Stoop to end Hull's 13-match Super League unbeaten run and ease their own relegation fears in the process.

Skipper Mark McLinden's superb first-half hat-trick helped put his side 18-2 ahead at the interval.

But he went off injured midway through the second half as Motu Tony and Sid Domic both went over for the visitors.

Nathan Blacklock's try two minutes from time ensured late drama, but Harlequins dug deep to hold on for the victory.

Harlequins coach Brian McDermott

"The play-offs could still be a target for this season. There are plenty more games to be battled for and lots of points to play for.

"I am not getting carried away but we have beaten a tough side and I am so proud of the team because we worked hard and showed great determination.

"It is such a good feeling to get my first win with the club. We knew Hull weren't going to go down easy."

Hull coach Peter Sharp

"We fought back in the second half and played some courageous rugby to put them under pressure but couldn't get the win.

"Defeat was always going to happen and Harlequins played well. We had a really slow start and made plenty of unforced errors.

"Losing is part of the learning curve. We've got to look at ways of bouncing back and ensure that we win next time around."

Harlequins: McLinden, Wells, Gafa, Smith, Bradley-Qalilawa, Dorn, Leuluai, Mills, Randall, Heckenberg, Purdham, Hopkins, Paul.
Replacements: Worrincy, Budworth, Tookey, Noone.

Hull: Briscoe, Blacklock, Tony, Domic, Dixon, R. Horne, Lee, Dowes, Swain, King, Radford, McMenemy, Washbrook.
Replacements: G. Horne, Chester, Higgins, Wheeldon.

Referee: K Kirkpatrick (Warrington).