Burke in hero's role

Harlequins won the European Shield - and qualified for next season's Heineken Cup - by beating brave French challengers Narbonne after extra-time at the Madejski Stadium.

Outhalf Paul Burke proved Harlequins' hero, kicking 27 points through a drop goal, six penalties and conversions of tries by Ben Gollings, Pat Sanderson and Daren O'Leary.

Narbonne matched them on the try-scale - Ignacio Corletto, Mario Ledesma and skipper Stuart Reid touching down - while Gonzalo Quesada booted 18 points.

Yet Quins proved tougher, both mentally and physically, stepping up a gear after normal time ended with the teams locked together 26-26.

It was Narbonne who drew first blood when Quesada kicked an penalty. But Quins responded superbly, carving out a try which stemmed from hooker Keith Wood's crunching tackle on Quesada. Right-wing Gollings rounded Sebastien Rouch and touched down.

Burke converted from the touchline, then exchanged penalties with Quesada before landing another wide-angled penalty as Quins led 13-6.

Narbonne regained the lead nine minutes before-half time, with a try from Corletto. Quesada converted, before booting a penalty from five metres inside his own half, and Quins, having lost Gollings through injury, needed Burke's lengthy penalty strike to keep them in touch, 19-16 adrift at half-time.

In extra-time Quins went back in front through a try from O'Leary. Burke converted and kicked another penalty. At 3626 ahead, Quins needed to close the game out, but a controversial Reid touchdown gave Narbonne renewed hope. Quesada converted, and the teams changed ends with Quins' lead trimmed to just three points. The French club could not deny Quins, who made victory safe through Burke's sixth penalty and a celebratory drop goal.

HARLEQUINS: J Williams; Gollings, Greenwood, Greenstock, O'Leary; Burke, M Powell; Leonard, Wood, Dawson, Morgan, WhiteCooper, Sanderson, Wilson, Winters. Replace- ments: Jennings for Gollings (33), Codling for Morgan (72), Fuga for Wilson (80), Jenkins for Winters (72). Not Used: Friday, Chalmers, Starr.

NARBONNE: Corletto; Joubert, Douy, A Stoica, Rouch; Quesada, Sudre; Martinez, Ledesma, Pucciarello, Gaston, Merle, Furet, Raynaud, Reid. Replacements: Azema for Corletto (77), Poux for Martinez (77), Mathieu for Furet (80). Not Used: Racine, Plateret, Rosalen, Buada. Sin Bin: Sudre (60).

Referee: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales).