The Northampton Saints consolidated their place at the top of the English Premiership log with a 25-20 win over Saracens. 

Two tries from wing Chris Wyles and a penalty by flyhalf Charlie Hodgson saw Saracens race out to a 17-6 lead, but the Saints responded with a try through Samu Manoa to trail 17-13 at half-time.

Hodgson extended Saracens' lead with the another successful penalty kick, but Saints flyhalf Stephen Marler won the battle of the boot as he landed four more penalty goals to complete their come-from-behind victory.

In other results, Harlequins claimed a 25-23 bonus-point victory away to the Sale Sharks, Billy Twelvetrees scored a double as Gloucester edged the Newcastle Falcons 42-40, Bath beat London Irish 43-18 at the Rec and the Leicester Tigers claimed a 38-17 win against London Welsh. On Sunday, Wasps left it late to defeat the Exeter Chiefs 36-29 at the Ricoh Arena.

Round 20 results: 

Northampton Saints 25 Saracens 20
Sale Sharks 23 Harlequins 25
Gloucester 42 Newcastle Falcons 40
Bath 43 London Irish 18
Leicester Tigers 38 London Welsh 17
Wasps 36 Exeter Chiefs 29

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images