Harlequins boss Paul Gustard believes there was plenty to be impressed with despite seeing his side lose to local rivals Saracens on Saturday. 

Gustard’s men fell 28-3 behind at Allianz Park but rallied to within seven points with five minutes remaining thanks to two scores from Paul Lasike and another from Scott Steele. 

But any hopes of a bonus point or even a late remarkable win were dashed when Alex Lewington crossed for the home side. 

However, Gustard was keen to stress that he saw plenty of positives in the defeat to a side possessing a plethora of international stars. 

“Largely I was pleased with the performance and the effort of the players,” Gustard said. 

“We defended well and our scrum was dominant but we didn't control the field well in the first 40. The last play of the first half was the big tipping point in the game. 

“Saracens have a lot of talented internationals and are well coached, but we scored three open-field tries against them and caused them problems.” 

The result, Quins' eighth loss of the campaign, did dent their chances of a top-four finish.

Gustard’s side currently sit seventh, nine points behind Sale Sharks who occupy the final semi-final spot in fourth.