'Quins survive Worcester's epic fightback

London - Harlequins climbed to third place in the English Premiership table after withstanding a second-half fightback from Worcester to win 24-20 in the rain at Sixways on Sunday.

Quins had both centres, Jamie Roberts and George Lowe, sent to the sin bin, and Worcester came close to pulling off a stunning comeback as they roared back after being 24-3 down at the interval.

Charlie Walker, with a brace, and Luke Wallace scored Quins' tries, with Nick Evans adding three conversions and a penalty.

Marco Mama and Phil Dowson crossed for Worcester, who were also awarded a penalty try that Ryan Mills converted. Tom Heathcote kicked a first-half penalty.

Quins are three points below second-place Exeter and nine points off leaders Saracens, who made it eight wins from eight by sinking Leicester 26-6 on Saturday. Worcester remain third from bottom.