Skipper Alistair Hargreaves led Saracens to a gritty 34-24 victory over Bath at the Copthall Stadium.

Hargreaves had a big afternoon and was instrumental in setting up Sarries' first try of the match after a surging break by the former Sharks lock.

Francois Louw failed to make an impact for Bath, who staged a second-half comeback but were unable to land the killer blow.

Log leaders Northampton had to work hard for their 15-9 win over battling London Irish, which sees the defending champions extend their lead at the summit of the Premiership standings.

The London Wasps, showing superiority in all facets of play, claimed a convincing 37-6 win against Harlequins.

Elsewhere, the Sale Sharks thumped basement dwellers London Welsh 52-12, as the latter continue to seek that elusive win in all competitions.

Exeter Chiefs ended a run of four Premiership defeats with a 46-17 victory over Newcastle at Sandy Park. The Chiefs were rampant in the first stanza, leading 32-3 at the break.

It was the battle of the boot as Freddie Burns and James Hook scored all their team's points. But it was the former who was victorious, guiding Leicester to a 18-15 triumph over Gloucester.

Weekend results:

London Welsh 12 Sale Sharks 52
Saracens 34 Bath 24
Wasps 37 Harlequins 6
Exeter Chiefs 46 Newcastle Falcons 17
Leicester Tigers 18 Gloucester Rugby 15
Northampton Saints 15 London Irish 9

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