It was the visitors who made the brighter start to the match and the pressure they exerted on the Saracens defence was rewarded after ten minutes when Adrian Jarvis converted a penalty to put Quins into a three point lead.

Saracens hit back and quick hands from their back division led to winger Paul Bailey bursting through to score the opening try of the night, which was converted by fly half Ben Russell. Jarvis then missed two further penalty attempts before half-time that meant Saracens led 7-3 at the break.

It was Quins who registered the first points in the second half, with George Robson burrowing over from close range for a try that Jarvis converted to put the visitors back in front by three points (7-10).

However, the crucial score in the game went Saracens way midway through the half. A long miss pass from full back Nicky Little found its way to centre Adam Powell who set off on a superb individual run that saw him claim Saracens second try of the match.

Russell added the two points from the conversion and then outscored Jarvis by two penalties to one in the time that remained to ensure Saracens celebrated a victory come the final whistle.

Final score, 20-13.

Saracens XV: 15. Nicky Little, 14. Nnamdi Obi, 13. Adam Powell, 12. Dan Harris, 11. Paul Bailey, 10. Ben J Russell, 9. Mosese Rauluni, 1. Lawrence Marsh, 2. Andy Kyriacou, 3. Ben Broster, 4. Tom Ryder, 5. Iain Fullarton, 6. Emmanuel Amapakabo, 7. Steffon Armitage, 8. Donald Barrell

Replacements: 16. Adam Gelman, 17. Alex Ayling, 18. Richard Gill, 19. Jon McDonough, 20. Huw Collins, 21. James Mathias, 22. Craig Wilson

Scorers:
Tries: Bailey, Powell
Conversions: Russell (2)
Penalties: Russell (2)

NEC Harlequins XV: 15. Charlie Amesbury, 14. Kiba Richards, 13. Tosh Masson, 12. Mel Deane, 11. Simon Keogh, 10. Adrian Jarvis, 9. Steve So'oialo, 1. Alex Rogers, 2. Jimmy Richards, 3. Lorne Ward, 4. James Inglis, 5. Pablo Bouza, 6. Chris Robshaw, 7. Tom Guest, 8. Tony Diprose

Replacements: 16. Aston Croall, 17. George Fuches, 18. George Robson, 19. Kevin Burke, 20. Darren Clayton, 21. Duncan James, 22. Luther Marais, 23. Justin Jones

Scorers:
Tries: Robson
Conversions: Jarvis
Penalties: Jarvis (2)