Harlequins hold off Leicester Tigers in Premiership

Quins came into the clash at Twickenham Stoop on the back of three-consecutive league defeats, but their hard-fought success saw them move above their opponents in the table and into third place.

With a fierce wind at their backs in the first half, Leicester - with Jean de Villiers making his debut at centre - failed to make the most of the advantageous conditions and went in 9-9 at half-time, Oliver Bryant and Ben Botica trading three penalties apiece.

Quins led 15-9 early in the second half thanks to two more Botica kicks, but the Tigers forged back in front when replacement prop Harry Thacker barged over.

Botica edged Quins ahead again from the tee, and the fly-half's kick through released Yarde to score and make it a nine-point game with five minutes to go.

Leicester did respond through the boot of Freddie Burns but despite late pressure, Quins held on for the win while the Tigers had to settle for a losing bonus point.