Harlequins returned to Gallagher Premiership action with an all-important victory over top-four rivals Gloucester Rugby under the Friday Night Lights at The Stoop.

A sell-out despite the clash with England's football World Cup clash with the USA, Quins solidified their place in the top four for another weekend after round 11 of league action.

Harlequins love a fast start in front of their beloved Stoop faithful and they delivered the goods once again, with Danny Care dotting down for the opening try in the eighth minute after sustained pressure up front from the Quins pack.

Returning Italian international Tommy Allan nailed the first kick of the day for a perfect 7-0 start.

Muscular lock Irne Herbst has been the new hitman in town for Harlequins so far during his maiden season in the Famous Quarters, but the bearded giant displayed silky skills to set up Quins' second try with an overhead tap-on pass five metres from the Gloucester line, with rapid play resulting in a try for his second row partner Dino Lamb. Allan converted again to take Quins ahead by 14.

Gloucester marched on doggedly, with a steely focus on the job at hand the set-piece would prove to be as dangerous as ever for the Cherry and Whites.

The visitors got their first points as their forwards found their foothold deep in Qins territory, with number eight Ben Morgan shooting down the left flank off the back of a succession of driving mauls that forced Quins to leak penalties. Argentinian standoff Santiago Carreras added the extras to bring Quins' lead back to seven.

Carreras' fellow Puma Santiago Socino claimed the visitors' second mauling try six minutes from half-time, once more through their imposing set-piece. Carreras' kick sailed wide to allow Quins a two-point lead just before the break.

Despite two answered tries, Harlequins had displayed real defensive resilience as Gloucester enjoyed their purple patch in the match.

Key defensive interventions from fullback Nick David along the touchlines and a crucial lineout steal from flanker Jack Kenningham prevented at least two scores. Moments Defence and Lineout Coach Jerry Flannery will surely have appreciated.

The final points of the day came just before the half-time mark, with Harlequins finding the type of attacking rhythm they have been famed for in recent years.

At their free-flowing best, the Quins team tore through the Gloucester defence as carrier after carrier hit the line at full speed before finding the wherewithal to offload out of contact to keep play alive.

Who else but Care to finish the move to claim his second and Quins' third, going ahead of Christian Wade in the all-time try-scoring chart for the Premiership. Up to fourth place for Mr Care, with 83 league tries to his name. Allan slotted another simple conversion to allow Quins a nine-point lead just before the break.

While the second half provided no additional points to the scoreboard, it was far from a pointless portion of the game. A chaotic 40 minutes saw both sides tussle for possession, with monstrous physicality from each pack matched with a handful of beautifully skilful moments, with Care putting on a kicking masterclass from the back of the ruck.

Gloucester went on the hunt for a losing bonus-point with the clock in the red, while Quins were determined to claim the try-scoring bonus point themselves.

The two sides proved evenly matched, with the final score reading Harlequins 21, Gloucester Rugby 12.

Bath away for Harlequins next time out under the Friday Night Lights once more. A result the team will be determined to secure after suffering a shock loss at The Recreation Ground last season.