Premiership leaders Northampton Saints too strong for Harlequins

Premiership leaders Northampton Saints made it three wins from three at the start of the new campaign with a convincing 40-22 victory over Harlequins on Friday.

Though they fell behind early on, Northampton responded in force with four tries in the opening 36 minutes, Taqele Naiyaravoro helping himself to a double.

Caden Murley went over for Harlequins' first try on the stroke of half-time, with Chris Robshaw then dragging the visitors back into contention following the restart.

James Grayson's kicking steadied the ship for the Saints, however, paving the way for Teimana Harrison to ensure the win with his second try of a high-scoring contest.

Two spicy #GallagherPrem clashes have kickstarted a weekend to savour. Contrasting wins for @SaintsRugby and @BristolBears tonight - what awaits us tomorrow?? pic.twitter.com/KAdvCX9D76

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) November 1, 2019

Northampton lead the way on 14 points, four ahead of Bristol Bears, who bounced back from their defeat to Quins last time out by dispatching Sale Sharks 16-10.

Three Callum Sheedy penalties put Bristol 9-0 up by the interval, and despite Chris Vui's yellow card reducing the hosts to 14, Ioan Lloyd went over for the first try to further their advantage.

It was a lead which proved unassailable for fourth-place Sale, despite Cameron Neild's late score. Still, his intercept try did secure the Sharks a losing bonus point from their long trip.