Worcester 22-28 Harlequins: Quins resist stubborn Warriors
Last Updated: 28/01/17 6:19pm
Harlequins came from behind to put themselves top of the Anglo-Welsh Cup Pool 3 after a 28-22 bonus-point victory over battling Worcester.
Worcester took a one-point lead into the final quarter following tries from centre Wynand Olivier, wing Bryce Heem and hooker Joe Taufete'e, with fly-half Ryan Mills converting two and adding a penalty.
Quins had scored three tries via wing Charlie Walker, lock Charlie Matthews and wing Alofa Alofa, with Ruaridh Jackson converting them all, before another converted Alofa touchdown gave the visitors the win.
The hosts struck Quins with two early sucker-punches, showing no signs of the struggles they have endured in this season's Aviva Premiership. The Warriors played fluid, attacking rugby and were 14 points to the good before Quins could settle.
Just a minute into the game, an excellent break by Heem - back in action after a hand injury - set up Olivier to cross, with Mills converting from wide out.
And in the ninth minute, centre Olivier found pace on the left to round the Quins defence but unselfishly gave the ball inside to Heem for a better chance of scoring. Heem obliged and ran in under the posts, making Mills' conversion simple.
The Warriors could have had a third try when debutant wing Auguy Slowik chased a kick to the Quins goal-line - only to miss out when full-back Aaron Morris got in front of him to prevent the score.
Quins found their chances to cross the line few and far between as the home defence closed down the gaps effectively.
Jackson missed a penalty but a brilliant opportunist try, when Walker raced 40 metres around the straggling home midfield, brought Quins back into the match.
Worcester were unlucky not to add to their lead in the final seconds of the first half when a 43-metre Mills penalty struck an upright and bounced clear.
The second period opened in blistering style, with Worcester increasing their lead after they forced a couple of penalties inside the Quins 22. The hosts opted for attacking lineouts and benefited when Taufete'e went over under a pile of bodies.
A loss of concentration in mdifield saw Quins bounce back when Matthews intercepted just inside his own half and galloped all the way to the posts, leaving Jackson with an easy conversion.
The game opened up thereafter, with Quins hooker Dave Ward just missing out on a try before some outstanding inter-passing from 40 metres sent Alofa over for an impressive score. Jackson converted to put the Londoners in front for the first time.
Mills landed a 25-metre penalty to nudge Worcester a point ahead in the final quarter but Quins put the squeeze on the hosts, and Alofa got his second and Quins' bonus-point try with nine minutes left.
Worcester made it even harder for themselves when replacement Darren Barry was yellow carded for tackling a man in the air and that was enough for Quins to win.