Harlequins remain at the top the Aviva Premiership, with the rest of the weekend's fixtures yet to play, and head into round three of the Heineken cup against Zebre following an important victory.

The Warriors arrived with a spring in their step after a home victory over Saracens in the previous round and they looked to be on course for victory over the defending champions.

Both sides welcomed back their Samoan internationals and it was that nation's captain, David Lemi, who opened the scoring after just two minutes.

As the half progressed, Nick Evans could only add two penalties in response to Andy Goode's three and when the half hour mark passed, Harlequins were 6-14 down.

The home side were able to claw back 10 points in the final nine minutes of the first half and went in at the break with a 16-14 lead thanks to a try from Matt Hopper and five further points from Evans.

As the temperatures continued to plummet in the second half, the game lost a bit of momentum. After Evans' fourth penalty, Worcester drew level with a try from Errie Claassens. Goode failed to convert and when Evans added his first drop goal of the season, it resulted in a 22-19 victory.

Receiving the kick-off, Harlequins signalled their intent for the match by playing within their own 22. An early mix up between Tom Williams and Evans eventually gifted Worcester an early five metre scrum.

Number 8, Semisi Taulava broke from the base and after Worcester worked to the right touchline, they switched their attack. Exposing a gap on the left wing, Lemi received the ball wide and dived in the corner. Goode's touchline conversion missed, but the former English international added a penalty three minutes later when Joe Gray entered a ruck illegally.

Maurie Fa'asavalu failed to score five metres from the try line following a neat lineout move on 10 minutes. Gathering at the back of the lineout, Easter popped down to the Samoan who was charging through the middle. The blindside flanker failed to secure the ball and knocked on.

It took Harlequins a further 10 minutes to get themselves in a threatening position and following three grubber kicks behind the Worcester defence Karl Dickson was able to cross the whitewash, however he was held up. With a penalty advantage being played, Evans was able to put Harlequins' first three points on the ball.

Again, Harlequins fell victim of trying to play within their 22 and Goode was able to cancel out Evans' three points.

Lemi then turned from hero to villain and was shown yellow for slowing down Harlequins' possession five metres from the line. Although Harlequins initially kicked to touch, they were awarded a second penalty when Worcester pulled down the resulting maul. Evans this time kicked for the posts and reduced the gap t0 6-11.

A few mistakes from the Harlequins back line allowed Worcester to turnover possession and after Matt Hopper's offload in the tackle went astray, the Warriors worked up field and Goode added a further three points.

With nine minutes until half time, the comeback began. The Londoners worked into the 22 and after ruining two try scoring opportunities; they were given a third lifeline.

Lemi returned to the field and Euan Murray was brought on to replace former Harlequin John Andress. The Scottish international's first job was to defend a scrum five metres from his line.

Harlequins drove well and when the ball was shipped to the backs, Matt Hopper ran an arching line. The centre carved through the defence and scored, ending a 236 minute try drought for the quartered men.

The home side raced up field from the restart and Evans added a further three points in response to Taulava being shown yellow for pulling down a driving maul.

When the Worcester number 8 returned in the second half, the game lacked momentum. Evans was able to add a further penalty as the hour mark approached but the visitors drew level with 14 minutes remaining.

Chris Pennell broke down the left wing and as he was tackled seven metres short, he offloaded to Classeens. Despite the defensive efforts of Tom Williams, the Worcester full-back scored. Goode's conversion missed and the scores were tied at 19-19.

Worcester kept their momentum but two key steals, first from Nick Easter in a lineout, and then George Robson at the break down, allowed Harlequins to gain possession and work up field.

With a penalty advantage to Harlequins, Evans decided to use a free attempt at a drop goal. The ball sailed between the posts and the hosts took a 22-19 lead.

Worcester gathered possession in their own half after the clock reached the 80^th minute and choosing not to attempt a dramatic victory, Goode settled with a losing bonus point.