Sanderson try sinks Quins

Pat Sanderson powered over for the late try which handed Worcester their first victory in eight matches this season and condemned Harlequins to an agonising single-point defeat at The Stoop.

The Warriors responded to last week's hammering by Ospreys to maintain their hopes of EDF Energy Cup progress with a hard-fought victory in what proved a highly-entertaining Group C clash.

Worcester had seemed primed for yet another reverse as the game entered its final ten minutes, but Sanderson showed real opportunism to peel off the back of a forward drive and dive over from close range for what proved the decisive score.

The visitors were on the scoreboard first as new signing Netani Talei, Fiji's World Cup number eight, introuduced himself to his new team-mates in perfect style by forging over from 20 yards after a neat pass from centre Dale Rasmussen.

Harlequins wasted little time in answering with a try of their own from Ugo Moyne who was on hand to finish after being released by flanker Will Skinner.

Chris Malone added the conversion to edge the hosts ahead and a penalty from the same player extended the lead to 10-5.

Initiative

Worcester gained the initiative just before the half-hour mark when home number eight Chris Hala'Ufia was sent to the sin bin by referee Chris White for a high tackle on Mark Tucker.

James Brown kicked the resulting penalty and Worcester made the most of the extra man advantage, driving Aleki Latui over for a try, converted by Loki Crichton to put them 15-10 ahead.

However, back to their full complement, Quins rallied and got their noses back in front as Moyne grabbed his second try of the half on 39 minutes.

Some crafty play from scrum-half Danny Care created the chance for Moyne who darted over with Malone successfully converting.

But it was the Warriors who headed for the changing rooms ahead at the interval as Crichton slotted another penalty.

Quins regained the lead as a see-saw encounter approached the hour-mark, taking advantage when the visitors were reduced to 14 when winger Marcel Garvey was yellow-carded for deliberately killing the ball.

After kicking the resulting penalty to touch, Quins won the line-out and Malone and Hal Luscombe then combined to send Mike Brown over in the corner.

Malone could not land the conversion, though, and it was to prove costly with Worcester subsequently only four points adrift.

Sanderson made them pay with his effort eight minutes from time with the Warriors defence standing firm to secure what could prove an important success.