Michael Monaghan inspired Warrington to a vital 40-24 victory on the road as the Wolves dumped Harlequins at the Stoop.

For caretaker coach James Lowes it was a successful first game in charge as Warrington arrested their recent slide down the table with an important win at their play-off rivals.

Despite the searing heat, both sides displayed their attacking intent early on with some great defence keeping the scoresheet blank.

After Will Sharp made a searing break for the home side, Henry Paul was held up inches short, then as the visitors struck back both Chris Melling and Danny Orr made try-saving tackles.

The Wolves took the lead after quarter of an hour when Jon Clarke made a clean break and the speedy Chris Riley scampered over, Chris Hicks converting.

Matt King could easily have extended the lead but knocked on with the line at his mercy, but Warrington doubled their lead moments later when Monaghan made a break and Louie Anderson was on hand to cross.

The home side were stunned into life and after Scott Hill and Melling showed great hands, Tony Clubb powered his way over, Rob Purdham adding the extras.

Then, right on the hooter, Quins drew level when Melling broke clear and, despite being held inches short, offloaded to Michael Worrincy, who dropped over the line.

But in a stunning 20-minute burst, Warrington appeared to have sewn the game up as they ran in four tries as Quins' defence was torn to shreds.

After Martin Gleeson and Monaghan struck within seconds of each other, further tries from King and Clarke opened up a 24-point gap.

But the London club made a game of it as Gareth Haggerty and Rikki Sheriffe crossed for late scores.

Riley scorched over for a final score right on the hooter to seal Wolves' victory.