Gallagher Premiership returns: Bath on top as Newcastle end 15-year wait for win over Saracens

The Gallagher Premiership returned after the Autumn Nations Series and, continuing the theme of the season, there was drama aplenty.

Bath ended another weekend of enthralling top-tier English domestic action at the top of the table, while at the other end, Newcastle Falcons claimed a famous win over Saracens.

Johann van Graan's Bath are many people's favourites to scoop the title this season and although they weren't at their best against Exeter Chiefs, they found a way to grind out a 19-15 win like all great sides do.

It was a scrappy Saturday afternoon affair but two Guy Pepper tries and a second-half effort from Niall Annett put the result beyond doubt, but that's not to say the Chiefs didn't threaten a first victory of the season.

Rob Baxter's side hit back in the first half through Jacques Vermuelen but they could not produce enough quality after the break to pull off the upset.

They didn't leave empty handed, however, with Greg Fisilau touching down late on to secure a losing bonus point.

The win was a sixth from seven games for Bath, while Exeter are yet to open their account.

Bears sour Marler's farewell

Friday night also provided plenty of thrills and spills. Bristol Bears spoiled Joe Marler's retirement with a thumping 48-24 win over Harlequins at the Stoop.

The legendary England and Quins prop called time on his 14-year career in front of the fans that have been with him through all the ups and downs. And they honoured the 34-year-old with a standing ovation for his efforts when he was substituted 10 minutes into the second half.

As for matters on the field, Pat Lam's Bears continued to rip through their hosts to underline their credentials as one of the most exciting sides in club rugby.

The win means they trail Bath only on points difference, while Quins are now lagging in seventh.

Newcastle claim famous win

There were jubilant scenes at Kingston Park as the longest drought in Premiership history came to an end.

Not since October 2009 had Newcastle Falcons beaten Saracens in the league, but that streak was snapped by Steve Diamond's men with a gutsy 17-12 triumph.

Saracens were under strength but that should not detract from what was an immense display of heart.

It was a fourth win in a row in all competitions and, more importantly, a second league victory of the season to continue their resurgence, while Saracens have now lost three of their last four in the Premiership.

Northampton's struggles continue

Another side on the slide is Northampton Saints. The defending champions welcomed Gloucester to Franklin's Gardens on Saturday and came off second best.

The Cherry and Whites ran in three first-half tries - two from Santi Carreras and one by Zach Mercer - to lead 19-7 at the break, and although the Saints rallied in the second half, it wasn't enough to turn the change the result.

The 25-17 victory was sweet revenge for George Skivington's men, who were beaten 90-0 by Northampton six months ago.

Carreras scored in the third minute to give the visitors the perfect start, although George Furbank responded immediately in a frenetic opening five minutes.

Mercer went over in the 24th minute before Carreras got his second when winger Christian Wade intercepted a loose Rory Hutchinson pass to surge towards the line and set up his full-back.

Number eight Juarno Augustus went over eight minutes into the second half to give Northampton hope of a comeback but Gloucester wouldn't be denied and sealed it with a Carreras penalty in the 78th minute.

Gloucester now sit fifth in the table, while Northampton have fallen to eighth.

Sale pick up much-needed win

The final game of the weekend saw Sale Sharks run in six tries to topple Leicester Tigers and pick up a fourth win of the season.

Leicester, revived under Michael Cheika, were in command early and took the lead when Nicky Smith powered over from close range in the 11th minute but Sale hit back and took a slender 12-11 lead in at the break.

A rapid-fire Arron Reed brace at the start of the second half put Alex Sanderson's side in control before further tries from Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Luke Cowan-Dickie saw Sale earn the full five points.

Leicester scored two second-half of their own through Freddie Steward and George Martin, but it wasn't enough to salvage a bonus point.

Despite the defeat, Leicester are still among the play-off spots in third, while Sale are up to sixth.