Harlequins re-established their play-off credentials as Danny Care inspired them to a hard fought 15-6 victory at Saracens.

Dealing well with the driving rain at Vicarage Road, Quins struck with two first half tries and then produced a sterling backs-to-the-wall defensive effort to frustrate the home side.

The hosts made a bright start but only had an early Gordon Ross penalty to show for their efforts thanks to some dogged Quins defence.

As the half progressed Harlequins pulled themselves into the game with Care's constant sniping menacing the Saracens' defence.

Midway through the half Adrian Jarvis pulled the visitors level with a well-struck penalty from half way after the home side had strayed offside.

Then, making a mockery of the slippery conditions, Quins struck with two well-worked tries to stun the hosts.

Firstly, a lineout move saw Care dart through a gap to allow flanker Chris Robshaw to gallop over.

Then, minutes later, after Will Skinner had made a break, Care chipped through for Ugo Monye to plunge over, Jarvis converting.

With the conditions worsening in the second half, both sides elected to kick for territory, and Ross booted Saracens three points closer with a penalty on 50 minutes.

Although Harlequins remained defiant in defence, an increasing penalty count kept them on the back foot.

But with the hosts having to open up, Quins were content to soak up the pressure and force the home side into a series of mistakes.

And when Ross saw a late penalty fall short, Dean Richards' men knew they had secured a welcome win on the road.