Connor O’Shea believes Harlequins’ first-ever Aviva Premiership Trophy could signal a period of dominance for his side.
They survived a late charge from perennial finalists Leicester to secure a historic day in the Etihad-sponsored club’s 146-year history.
And O’Shea said: “A couple of years ago this team said it wanted to create a different chapter in Quins history. We want to be a great side.
“This has to be a starting point. We’ll start from scratch next year, but we’ll enjoy this.
“It’s a very special day for the club. I’m so proud of the effort.”
Leicester were hoping to make it yet another title in their eighth successive final and going for their 11th English crown. But they were undone by the boot of Nick Evans, who scored 20 points and two tries from Quins’ inspirational skipper Chris Robshaw and Tom Williams.
The wing, who endured the Bloodgate controversy in 2009 which resulted in the departure of Dean Richards, raced over in the right-hand corner unchallenged for the first crucial score.
Composure from Evans gave them an 11-3 advantage before Leicester struck with venom, stealing a line-out from inside their own half with prop Dan Cole feeding Steve Mafi, and the big Tongan raced 40 metres unchallenged.
Three Evans penalties put Quins back in control before Danny Care sparked a try for Robshaw. The England captain used his body power to force his way over. Evans converted, but the finale was frantic as Anthony Allen burst through for a try which George Ford converted.
A penalty from Ford left Tigers just a converted try away from sending the game into extra time, but Quins hung on for victory.
Robshaw said: “Some people wrote us off and said we’re only there because of the World Cup. We’ve proved them wrong.”
Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill added: “They probably deserved it. We will go away now and regroup.”
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