Northampton beat Harlequins as Tom Williams returned for the first time since his "Bloodgate" ban.
Bruce Reihana pounced to record a third-minute try before two Stephen Myler penalties extended the lead.
Nick Evans made it 11-3 at half-time, but Juandre Kruger crossed for Saints in the second half, before Josh Drauniniu replied in the corner.
An exchange of tries from Soane Tonga'uiha and Drauniniu in the closing moments ensured an exciting finish.
The victory extended Northampton's unbeaten home record at Franklin's Gardens this season, but much of the attention was focussed on Williams.
However the winger had little chance to impress and was replaced after 58 minutes - with blood dripping from his nose - to add to a disappointing afternoon for the visitors.
However, they had chances and thought they were going to go in only 11-6 down when they were awarded a kickable penalty - but the decision was reversed for a punch by James Percival.
Quins produced a period of sustained pressure at the start of the second half but Northampton were at their most determined in defence to keep them out.
Some of the Saints' back play was particularly impressive with Reihana, James Downey and Chris Ashton all displaying neat touches to keep the hosts on top.
Despite the Saints having sealed the match, Quins continued to press in the latter stages.
Drauniniu's try was deserved reward for their efforts, but Northampton did enough to hold on.
Northampton coach Jim Mallinder:
"I think we had the edge. We got our basics right.
"We ran the ball at the right times and took all our opportunities.
"The Quins have improved considerably since the start of the season.
"They will have been disappointed not to have taken their chances at the end of the first half, but our defence was very good."
Harlequins coach John Kingston: "We didn't take our chances. We had a lot more chances than I thought we would create.
I thought we controlled the game for large sections of it but we definitely burned three clear try-scoring opportunities."
Northampton: Foden, Ashton, Clarke, Downey, Reihana, Myler, Dickson, Tonga'uiha, Sharman, Gonzalez Bonorino, Day, Kruger, Dowson, Best, Wilson. Replacements: Dickens for Dickson (59), J. Gray for Sharman (67), Murray for Gonzalez Bonorino (55), Lawes for Day (48), S. Gray for Best (59).
Not Used: Dreyer, Everitt, Ansbro.
Sin Bin: Best (34).
Harlequins: Brown, Strettle, Lowe, Mordt, T. Williams, N. Evans, Dickson, Jones, Fuga, Andress, Percival, Robson, Robshaw, McMillan, Guest. Replacements: Drauniniu for T. Williams (57), So'oialo for Dickson (55), Brooker for Fuga (55), Lambert for Andress (67), Stevenson for Percival (67), York for Guest (55).
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