Crucial win for Quins

Harlequins have scored a crucial victory in their quest for Guinness Premiership glory, Dean Richards' side beating Bath 19-3 at the Rec.

As befitting the tight situation at the top of the table coming into the match - three sides lying equal on points and a further three in with a chance of making the play-offs - the contest was a hard-fought affair.

The home side are arguably the most proflific attacking team in the Premiership and made themselves plenty of chances.

However, they failed to take them - an outcome in large part earned thanks to a fine performance from Quins' defence.

The likes of Gary Botha, George Robson proved stalwart, with their resistance not limited to the forwards - the tackling of winger Ugo Monye also notable.

Led by Nick Easter, Quins made the most of the attacking chances they had, earning themselves a penalty try, while the failure of Butch James to find his aim with the boot also contributed to the scoreline.

The home side immediately showed their dynamism coming forward, with Shontayne Hape's step inside setting up a break in the second minute. A penalty resulted, but James' kick was woeful.

Quins took the lead when Chris Malone found the target four minutes later - Bath having been penalised for not binding at the scrum.

Strength

Bath were making chances, with wingers Joe Maddock and Matt Banahan - the latter attempting an inside pass to James Scaysbrook - emphasising their strength on both flanks, but both went begging.

Banahan then should have had a run in, but David Strettle's close presence was sufficient for Bath skipper Alex Crockett to rush the final pass.

But they were also conceding too many penalties and were fortunate not to go further behind in the 18th minute when Malone failed to convert.

Another chance for Bath went begging shortly after the mid-way point of the opening period when Scott Bemand kicked into the right-hand corner.

Bath won the resulting line-out but, after the ball went along the line and back, Monye intercepted.

Strettle immediately turned defence into attack and, after sprinting into Bath's half, he kicked for the corner - a backtracking Banahan clearing up.

Quins then drove for the line - the ball being held up - and with a succession of scrums following, they turned down three points and gained their reward when referee Dave Pearson awarded a penalty try on the half-hour.

Malone kicked the extras and Quins immediately tried to extend their advantage - Quins centre Gonzalo Tiesi appearing victim of a high tackle by Maddock as he surged forward - before Bath achieved the turnover.

They put their first - and only as it turned out - points on the board when James kicked a penalty two minutes before half-time, the fly-half unable to close the gap further by hitting the target four minutes after the re-start.

Instead, after Bath had been penalised for placing hands in the ruck, Malone extended his side's advantage out to 10 points.

Again Bath sought to come forward, with a strong run from Maddock, realeasing Faamatuainu - Mike Brown making the vital tackle on the number eight in the right-hand corner.

Pressure

Platform established, Bath sought to breach their opponents' defence and gained the opportunity for a penalty try - Quins prop Mike Ross having been sin-binned for placing his hands in at the ruck.

Wave after wave of attack followed from Bath but it was all in vain - James not even able to give them three points for their man advantage when he missed another penalty just short of the hour.

Indeed, after a protracted period spent under pressure, Harlequins were able to increase their lead with their first subsequent attack - Danny Care kicking a drop goal.

Bath needed tries entering the final 10 minutes but the signs appeared ominous - Quins gaining the turnover after Maddock's burst down the right-hand flank ended with Scaysbrook swamped short of the line.

The opposing defence then appeared to be caught unawares when Nick Abendanon cut through; however, he was held up by Malone, who put the icing on the cake with a 79th minute penalty.