The combined might of Nick Evans' boot and the Harlequins pack helped the Aviva Premiership leaders maintain their impressive season to date by edging out Worcester 16-14 at The Stoop.

A pre-match downpour in south-west London reduced the game to a battle up front and Evans' 11 points proved the difference between the sides.

On a day when relegation rivals Newcastle Falcons bagged an all-important win, Richard Hill's Warriors played their part in gaining a losing bonus point - fly-half debutant Joe Gray kicking nine points to add to a Miles Benjamin score.

A first-half penalty try was Quins' other score but it was Evans' boot - despite two second-half misses - that sealed a hard-fought win.