Gloucester finally ended their away jinx with victory over Harlequins at The Stoop but the match was an appalling advert for the Zurich Premiership.

Nigel Melville's men had not won on their travels in the Premiership since March and they were effective in grinding out a result in what was a dreadful spectacle served up by the league's second and third placed teams.

Rugby league convert Henry Paul scored 11 of the Cherry and Whites' points with three penalties and a conversion while wayward Quins fly-half Paul Burke missed both his shots at goal.

Number eight James Forrester caught the eye with another superb performance for Gloucester, who replace Quins in second place, while Marcel Garvey also impressed with a couple of fine breaks.

Centre Robert Todd showed awareness for his injury-time interception try but in there were few other positives for either side to draw from the game, giving both coaches plenty to work on before their next outings.

Paul was given an early chance to nudge Gloucester ahead after the visitors had weathered a bright opening couple of minutes from Quins but his penalty bounced off the upright and into the arms of Andy Reay.

Flowing rugby was an short supply however as both teams struggled to settle, although Quins appeared more threatening in attack with hooker Tani Fuga and winger Ugo Monye catching the eye with a couple of breaks.

Fuga's involvement was cut short in the 15th minute however when he hobbled off the pitch and his side suffered immediately when replacement number two Jame Hayter was wayward with his first line-out throw.

Paul missed another shot at goal as the first half hour passed with scarcely any action worthy of note before Quins were hit by their second departure with England under-21 winger Monye joining Fuga on the sidelines.

Rangy number eight James Forrester made a promising break for Gloucester, tearing up the centre of the pitch but there was no support on his shoulder when Quins' defence eventually caught up with him.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 37th minute when Paul landed a penalty at the third attempt and the Cherry and Whites finished the half with a flourish only for skipper Jake Boer to be bundled out in the corner.

Winger Marcel Garvey went desperately close moments after the interval when he acrobatically caught Paul's crossfield bomb but could not wriggle free of Rob Jewell's challenge when only 15 metres short of the line.

Quins secured their first penalty chance in the 45th minute but Burke pushed his kick wide, while at the other end Paul booted three points as the home side found themselves on the back foot.

Paul cannoned over his third penalty - courtesy of a bounce off the crossbar - before the first and only try of the match arrived a minute into injury time when Todd intercepted Andy Dunne's loose pass and strolled home under the posts.

Paul converted to complete the result but the loudest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for referee Steve Leyshon's final whistle.

Teams:

Harlequins: Duffy, Keogh, Deane, Reay, Monye, Burke, Willis, Jones, Fuga, Gomez, Davison, Evans, Sanderson, Vos, Diprose.

Replacements: Jewell for Monye (29), Dunne for Burke (70), Worsley for Jones (52), Hayter for Fuga (15), Dawson for Gomez (52), Winters for Evans (70).

Not Used: Sheriff.

Gloucester: Gloucester: Goodridge, Garvey, Todd, Paul, Simpson-Daniel, McRae, Page, Johnstone, Fortey, Deacon, Eustace, Brown, Boer, Hazell, Forrester.

Replacements: Brotherstone for Fortey (73), Cornwell for Eustace (66), Buxton for Hazell (57).

Not Used: Wood, Amor, Frape.

Tries: Todd.

Cons: Paul.

Pens: Paul 3.

Att: 6,223

Ref: S Leyshon (RFU).