Allianz Premier 15s semi-finalists Harlequins Women fell to defeat in the final regular season fixture away against Loughborough Lightning in Northampton.

With the home crowd behind them it was Lightning who started brightly. The Loughborough forward pack powered forward phase after phase which then allowed Emily Scarratt to fire a pass out wide to give the hosts the first points of the game.

In typical Quins style the side from South West London responded almost instantly through number eight Sarah Beckett.

The try from Quins did not phase Loughborough and the home side found themselves back in front after an excellent try from England international Helena Rowland.

10 minutes later the side in African violet scored their third try of the game before Quins flanker Katy Mew pulled one back just before half-time.

It took over 20 minutes for the first points in the second half to be scored and they came courtesy of impact player Vickii Cornborough.

Despite holding a slight lead, it was Lightning who scored with two minutes to go to secure the victory which means Quins will travel to Saracens in the semi-final next weekend.

Full-time, Loughborough Lightning 22 – 17 Harlequins.