'He's an impressive unit... he's certainly taken on the mantle that I've offered'

Worcester director of rugby Steve Diamond believed his side should have got something from a game that ended in a 29-21 defeat to champions Harlequins at Sixways.

The Warriors competed strongly throughout but ultimately were short of securing a losing bonus-point and will reflect on the fact that they crucially failed to take advantage of a second half yellow card for Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care.

Tyrone Green, Care, Tom Lawday and Archie White scored tries for Quins with Will Edwards converting two, while Tommy Allan added a penalty and a conversion.

Six Nations preview with Exeter’s Sam Skinner | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 22

Six Nations preview with Exeter’s Sam Skinner | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 22

Noah Heward, Sione Vailanu and Seb Atkinson were Worcester’s try-scorers with Fin Smith converting two and Billy Searle one.

Diamond said: “We didn’t get the rub of the green, Sione Vailanu looked to have scored (When Care was absent) and the referee gave it as an on-field try before the officials ruled it out but we still should have got something from the game.

“Our defence was 90 per cent efficient as opposed to 75 per cent last week and we pulled off some excellent cover tackles but still dropped off a couple of crucial ones in midfield.

“The boys gave their all tonight and we were right in the game until the last 20 minutes. I’m really proud of them but pride doesn’t get you any points.

“They had a powerful bench and it made a big difference by putting us under huge pressure in the scrums as we haven’t got that strength of depth in our squad at present to counteract that.”

Once again, Worcester number eight Vailanu was their star player.

Diamond said: “He’s an impressive unit and he’s certainly taken on the mantle that I’ve offered him.”

Having lost three of their four fixtures, Quins needed a win to maintain their target of a top-four finish to give them a chance of retaining their Gallagher Premiership title.

Despite missing their talismen, Marcus Smith and Alex Dombrandt, they were still the more potent attackers and although they had nervy moments, they deserved the win.

Senior coach Tabai Matson said: “We haven’t won here in five years and it was a fantastic challenge for the guys and I’m delighted that they stuck it out to sneak home in the last 10 minutes.

“When Danny (Care) was absent for those 10 minutes, it was really hard and it was a magnificent effort to keep our line intact.

“Their kicking game was better than ours and we gave them scoring opportunities but I’m really pleased that despite playing a very young side we came away with a win.”