Gallagher Premiership week 14 review

Gloucester rugby completed a memorable seven-day double over the top two sides in English rugby on Friday after completing a 30-24 victory against leaders Saracens at Kingsholm.

Forgotten England No.8 Ben Morgan struck with two tries in either half against Sarries as Gloucester followed up from their victory against Exeter Chiefs. The hosts led 16-3 at the break, and by the time Ed Slater rumbled over Gloucester had the comfort of a twenty-point cushion. Michael Rhodes hit back from short range, but Morgan’s second of the night put the result beyond doubt. Sarries though didn’t leave empty handed, as Matt Gallagher went over with 90 seconds to go and Jackson Wray secured the losing bonus point with the final play of the match.

Exeter returned back to the top of the Gallagher Premiership after condemning Newcastle Falcons to their twelfth defeat in as many visits, as the west country side won 35-17 at Sandy Park. Chiefs secured the try bonus point shortly after the break when Nic White crossed, before Falcons responded with a try from Zach Kilbirgie. Exeter resumed control when Greg Holmes went over from close range. There was still time for Kilbirgie to grab his second of the afternoon with a minute remaining, as Falcons suffered another defeat, and remain at the bottom of the table.

A crucial penalty try helped Sale record their first Premiership win at the Ricoh arena, emerging victorious by 24-18 against Wasps. Sale dominated the first half, and went in at the break leading 17-8. Wasps gradually dragged themselves back into the game and when Joe Simpson went over, they were only two points behind at 17-15. Sale however responded with the penalty try awarded, and despite late pressure from Wasps the visitors defended well and were rewarded with a fine victory.

The Saturday afternoon crowd at Franklins Garden were treated to a thriller as Northampton Saints edged out Bath 27-26. Saints were trailing 26-20 with the clock on zero, lock David Ribbans tapped a close-range penalty and plunged over to seal the victory.

Harlequins secured their fourth consecutive Premiership win for the first time since the 2013/14 season after completing a 36-26 victory against Bristol Bears at the Stoop on Saturday. Paul Gustard’s in-form side swept aside the Bears with five tries, after securing the try bonus point inside 40 minutes. Ross Chisholm, Marcus Smith, Mike Brown and Joe Marchant. The visitors stunned the home crowd by scoring the opening try of the afternoon when Charles Piutau went over. Despite this early set back, Quins went into the break leading 26-12. Callum Sheedy pulled Bears back to within seven points, before James Lang kicked Quins further ahead, with Nathan Earle going over for Harlequins fifth try. Bears responded with a late brace of tries to snatch a try bonus point for their efforts.