Tom Williams and Tom Guest both scored tries in the opening period to hand Quins a 18-6 half-time advantage at the home of the Warriors, which was being used as the cup final venue for the third time in four years.

Tom Casson touched down within five minutes of the restart to give the Sharks a mountain to climb.

And, although Johnny Leota went over to give Sale hope after Luke Wallace's try, Harlequins held on to record a comfortable victory at Sixways.