Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann believes the late bonus-point try that capped a 37-9 win over struggling Harlequins may prove crucial as the Premiership season approaches its climax.

The victory moved Gloucester up to sixth place, three points behind fourth-placed Newcastle with a home derby against Bath and a difficult trip to Saracens to come.

Despite being dominant, the home side made desperately hard work of quelling a spirited Quins side. With nine minutes remaining they only led 16-9 before three late converted tries more accurately reflected their superiority.

Callum Braley, Jake Polledri and Jason Woodward scored tries for Gloucester before the coach's son Ruan Ackermann grabbed the last-minute fourth, with Billy Twelvetrees adding three penalties and four conversions to the points tally.

Johan Ackermann said: "It was a good ending to an arm-wrestle but they hung in there and showed a lot of fight.

"At times we were our own worst enemies as we made 18 errors and gave away 12 penalties.

"We needed to score another try in the second half to give us some breathing space but every forward who came on made a difference.

"Our decision-making in the back-line was much better but we lost a bit of patience at times.

"The competition is so tight and every point is vital so that closing try was massive especially as missed kicks in our last fixture against Newcastle cost us but hopefully this will soften the blow.

"We can't get over-excited but we've still got two avenues alive to try and get European qualification.

"We've got Newcastle next week in the Challenge Cup and we know that enemy and know what they will bring as they keep the ball well, so we are not taking anything from granted."