Harlequins banked their third victory of the week at the expense of West Hartlepool whose losing streak now stretches to eight matches.

Both sides found it heavy going early on as driving rain and gusting winds ensured the opening exchanges were punctuated by numerous handling errors.

In such inhospitable conditions both sides seemed content to swap penalties until the 21st minute when after a prolonged period of Quins' pressure, scrum-half Huw Harries accelerated from a midfield scrum for an impressive 20-yard try.

The visitors' early resilience was smashed as the resurgent Quins set about prising open the floodgates.

Their second score soon followed after a break by winger Dan Luger set up Tongan centre c for the simplest of scores.

A tidal wave of pressure followed as Quins broke down West with increasing ease.

An aerial barrage from Thierry Lacroix and John Schuster meant another try was never far away and when Emmet Farrell failed to hold onto one aerial assault Luger was on hand to grab Quins' third.

To their credit West found another gear after the break with centre Jamie Connolly's darting run temporarily redressing the balance soon after the restart.

But Quins' crunching forward power soon put the hosts back in the driving seat only for torrential rain to make a lottery of proceedings.

Flying winner Daren O'Leary attempted to use his electric pace to cause West further headaches but he squelched rather than flew down the flank.