Leicester Tigers were unable to hold on to a win over Newcastle Falcons with 14 men, leaving their Premiership semi-final hopes in tatters.
A third European Challenge Cup crown is a win away for Gloucester after they easily disposed of Newcastle Falcons.
Rob Vickers' late try secured a pulsating 35-30 win over Sale Sharks to propel Newcastle Falcons into the Premiership's top four.
Ruthless Saracens scored nine tries in their latest thrashing of Northampton Saints, while London Irish eased to victory at Harlequins.
Stade Francais' reign as European Challenge Cup holders is over after defeat to Pau, who joined Newcastle Falcons in the semi-finals.
A club-record crowd of 30,174 witnessed Newcastle Falcons win at St James' Park as Toby Flood kicked 20 points against Northampton.
Newcastle Falcons are unlikely top-four contenders in the Premiership and Toby Flood said they can play with a smile on their faces.
Billy Twelvetrees missed a late conversion attempt as Gloucester's comeback bid came up just short in a Premiership thriller.
The Premiership saw its first draw of the season, while leaders Exeter Chiefs and Bath were winners by a solitary point on Saturday.