Saracens moved to the top of the English Premiership with a 40-19 victory over the Sale Sharks on Saturday.

South African Ernst Joubert grabbed a try as last season's beaten finalists turned in another commanding display. The game was effectively over by half-time as they raced into a 30-7 lead, before sealing the bonus point in the 68th minute.

Elsewhere, Leicester Tigers were stunned once again, this time by London Irish. It was the Irish's first victory at Welford Road since 2003, and leaves the Tigers languishing in 8th position after four rounds.

Northampton Saints inflicted Bath's first defeat of the season as they withstood a late fightback to triumph 31-24.

In other results, South African-born Ben Pienaar scored a try as London Welsh went down 46-10 to Gloucester, Wasps grabbed a bonus-point victory over Newcastle and Exeter Chiefs moved into the top four with a comfortable 36-13 win over Harlequins.

Round 4 results:

Exeter Chiefs 36 Harlequins 13
London Wasps 35 Newcastle 18
Leicester Tigers 19 London Irish 22
Saracens 40 Sale Sharks 19
Northampton Saints 31 Bath 24
London Welsh 10 Gloucester 46

Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images