The league leaders produced a heroic defensive display in the second half to shut out the Tigers as they persisted on battering the line in a bruising and physical affair.

When Harlequins attacked, the forwards were relentless and the overall offloading game was second to none. The ultimate difference, a try from Tom Williams, a drop goal from Danny Care and 14 points from Nick Evans boot to secure a 9-22 victory.

Victory however did come at a cost as Williams, Jordan Turner-Hall and Ross Chisholm were taken off with injuries.

Both kickers exchanged early penalties in the first half before Williams opened the scoring with his try. With a drop goal from Danny Care added on the 30 minute mark, Harlequins lead 6-13 at the break.

Toby Flood could only add three further points to his first half tally of six while Evans slotted three second half penalties to secure the win.

It was the home side that opened the scoring after seven minutes. Niall Morris charged down field, capitalising on a loose ball popping out of the ruck with Quins in possession. This attack provoked wave after wave of attack on the Harlequins line early on and the defence held firm.

Tigers looked to have crossed the line through Martin Castrogiovanni but Care held him up just short of the line. Tigers were awarded a penalty and Flood put his side's first points on the board.

Evans got Harlequins rolling following a penalty in the scrum. Flood matched it moments later after a penalty from the same set piece.

The visitors opened their scoring on 21 minutes, but the score was bittersweet. Williams broke through the Tigers line just outside of the 22 after a perfect offload from George Robson. With no full-back, the winger ran in and pulled up. He was able to touch down and following Evans' conversion, Ross Chisholm came on as Harlequins led 6-10.

Care was able to further the lead with a drop goal on the half hour mark. With a penalty advantage being played, the scrum-half took a shot and made no mistake. Both kickers missed attempts on goal before half time and at the break, Harlequins had a 6-13 lead.

The quartered men enjoyed the early pressure in the second half and Evans added to Harlequins' lead with a penalty eight minutes in. The Londoners were dealt a second blow after the score when Jordan Turner-Hall went down with a shoulder injury. Rory Clegg came on and took his place at inside centre.

This change preceded a wealth of dominance from Tigers and Harlequins again sustained wave after wave of attack and gave the home side nothing.

Harlequins were rewarded for their defensive efforts as the Tigers conceded a penalty following a break from Sam Harrison into the 22. Despite the relief of pressure Tigers came on the attack again.

Julian Salvi broke through the line and it took a tackle from Chisholm and Care to stop him inches from the line. This resulted in a third injury blow as Chisholm was taken off after his covering tackle. This brought Karl Dickson on with Care moving to the wing.

The Harlequins defence continued to hold firm and when Tigers reduced the lead by three after the hour, the ever reliable Evans was there to match it taking the score to 9-19 leading into the final 10 minutes.

Evans was able to add a further three points with five minutes remaining and with Tigers battering at the line at the death Harlequins held on for victory.