Exeter and Saracens make it three wins from three

Exeter Chiefs and Saracens maintained their unbeaten starts to the new Premiership season to make it three wins from three.

The Chiefs and Sarries, who met in last year’s final, are both on 15 points after respective victories over Sale Sharks and Northampton Saints on Saturday.

Exeter, beaten by Saracens in two of the past three finals, ran in five tries in a 35-18 success over the Sharks, while Alex Lewington and David Strettle both scored two tries apiece as the defending champions beat Northampton 38-27.

The Chiefs were able to turn their narrow one-point advantage at the break into a victory as Jack Maunder, Alex Cuthbert and Tom Lawday crossed to add to first-half scores from Santiago Cordero and Jonny Hill.

At Franklin’s Gardens, England international Dylan Hartley, starting a competitive game for the first time since March, was one of the try-scorers for Northampton, who were leading heading into the final eight minutes.

However, Strettle’s late double maintained Saracens’ 100 per cent start.

It’s all over!

What a finish from @saracens as @David_Strettle who scores two late tries to seal victory over @SaintsRugby #GallagherPrem #NORvSAR pic.twitter.com/aID6dtxOCc

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) September 15, 2018

Bath edged a high-scoring affair at the Stoop to claim their first victory as they beat Harlequins 37-32.

Wing Joe Cokanasiga impressed for Bath, dotting down either side of the interval, while Zach Mercer also contributed two tries as the visitors went 37-18 ahead.

Semesa Rokoduguni’s sin-bin gave Quins hope and Joe Marler and Charlie Mulchrone went over to reduce the deficit only for Bath to hang on and claim a bonus-point victory.

Newcastle Falcons also claimed their first success of the season, 23-20 against Worcester Warriors, who are now propping up the table as the only remaining winless side.

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta