The Exeter Chiefs finished the weekend in third place on the English Premiership log with a 27-9 win against Saracens at Sandy Park on Saturday.

Flyhalf Gareth Steenson kicked nine penalties as Exeter, who had former WP flank Don Armand in their starting lineup, carried out yet another giant-slaying this season.

In the other match on Saturday, flyhalf Owen Williams kicked all of the Leicester Tigers points as they secured a vital 18-16 triumph over Wasps at Welford Road,

On Friday night, code-crosser Sam Burgess made his rugby union debut but it was Bath's pack who stole the show as Harlequins were dispatched 25-6 at The Rec.

On Sunday, Gloucester beat basement dwellers London Irish 21-9 at the Madejski Stadium, Northampton moved to the top of the table after securing a 43-14 victory over London Welsh at the Kassam Stadium, and Sale secured their third successive Premiership victory when they beat Newcastle 18-13 at Kingston Park.

Round 9 results:

Bath 25 Harlequins 6
Leicester Tigers 18 Wasps 16
Exeter  27 Saracens 19
London Irish 9 Gloucester 21
London Welsh 14 Northampton 43
Newcastle Falcons 13 Sale Sharks 18

Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images