Northampton skipper Pat Lam blasted his team-mates last Saturday following their performance against Leicester but he could have few complaints tonight as injury-hit Saints fought out a 27-20 victory over Harlequins in a pulsating encounter at Franklin's Gardens.

A robust forward display was the basis for the home side's win as their pack's appetite for work secured a steady stream of possession. And with outside-half Paul Grayson in inspired form with the boot, Lam's men proved too strong for the visitors.

But Quins, whose back line looked very dangerous with the ball in hand, pushed them all the way and their cavalier game-plan made for an entertaining night.

Saints made a promising start and their early dominance was rewarded in the seventh minute with a Grayson penalty.

But the home side's lead lasted only three minutes as Quins took possession on their own 22-line and span the ball wide to winger Ben Gollings who chipped ahead before touching down beneath the posts in a fine individual score. Outside-half Paul Burke added the conversion.

And Saints' misery continued when Quins added their second try just two minutes later.

England centre Will Greenwood was the provider as he sprinted some 30 metres up field before off-loading to Peter Richards, who touched down under the sticks. Burke added the two points.

The home side replied in the 16th minute when several phases of possession close to Quins' line concluded with Budge Pountney crashing over for a five-pointer which Paul Grayson improved.

Just as it looked like the visitors would enter half-time with a four-point lead, Grayson kicked two injury-time penalties, one of which was followed by a sin-binning for flanker Rory Jenkins, handing Saints a 16-14 lead going into the break.

And Saints started the second half as they finished the first - with a Grayson penalty.

Northampton began to dominate and they rounded off some excellent attacking play with a Craig Moir try in the 56th minute, although Grayson missed the conversion.

An exchange of kicks between Burke and Grayson followed which took the score to 27-20.

The dying moments saw Quins battle for the try that would level the match but they were foiled by an outstanding Saints defence which had held firm all game.

Man of the match: Paul Grayson