However, England coach Brian Ashton, having been awarded an MBE in the New Year honours list, will be concerned after Easter, one of the game's rising stars, went off in the 58th minute.

Flanker Chris Robshaw claimed the visitors' first try after 18 minutes and hooker Gary Botha got the second in the 23rd, each of them the result of sustained forward power, applied wide out.

However, the fact that Chris Malone could not convert from the touchline either of the scores - and then missed the sort of penalty shot that is usually meat and drink to the Australian - should have done something to comfort the home side.

The Warriors spurned asking Shane Drahm to attempt their first penalty at goal, instead opting for a close-range line-out, but Quins' absorbed the pressure to keep the hosts at bay and go 10-ahead at the break.

As the rain began to drench proceedings, Ruddock sent on Darren Morris, Gavin Quinnell and Chris Fortey in an attempt to spark a revival.

Then came the injury to Easter and a worrying moment for the watching Ashton as the Quins No8 limped off.

Quinnell certainly made an impact with his powerful charges into contact, but the home side could made little headway when it really mattered as Quins soaked up the pressure and the home side found making the final pass difficult, leaving Crichton's piece of magic as their only crumb of comfort.