A review of this weekend's action in the Aviva Premiership.

Harlequins returned to winning ways as winger Tom Williams helped orchestrate a 30-23 victory over London Irish which extended their lead at the top of the Aviva Premiership.

Quins were on a poor run of form, having lost four of their last five games in all competitions, and were left trailing in the first half after Tom Homer scored all of London Irish's points to give them a 13-10 interval lead.

But Williams, who assisted with Tom Casson's first-half try, won a race to a loose ball to touch down after the restart before also having a hand in full-back Ross Chisholm's score that killed off the Exiles challenge.

A late penalty from Freddie Burns gave Gloucester a 27-24 win over Northampton in a thrilling game at Kingsholm.

The outside-half kicked 17 points to seal a game which neither side deserved to lose.

The visitors will reflect that Ryan Lamb failed with two simple penalties, which deprived the Saints of victory - and they will rue the carelessness which gave away a vital try just before the interval.

Darren Dawidiuk and Charlie Sharples went over for Gloucester tries, while Northampton responded with tries from Soane Tonga'uiha and George Pisi, while Ryan Lamb kicked four penalties.

Exeter moved up to fifth place in the Aviva Premiership as they completed a season's double over Leicester with a 19-11 success at Sandy Park.

The outcome left the Devon side just one point behind the Tigers, who saw their run of five league wins halted.

The Tigers led 8-6 at the break after a try from Alesana and two kicks from Toby Flood, but Ignacio Mieres kicked four penalties and also converted Richard Baxter's try.

Bath collected a welcome bonus-point 30-24 win to climb away from the relegation zone - but had to endure a a few sticky moments as bottom club Newcastle showed they are still full of fight.

The Falcons led 14-8 at half-time before Bath pulled away with tries by Olly Woodburn - his second of the game - a penalty try and another from Samoan prop Anthony Perenise.

Young fly-half Tom Heathcote celebrated his 20th birthday with two conversions and a penalty and had a hand in three of the tries, while Olly Barkley scored the rest of Bath's points.

A late Will Chudley try, converted by Jimmy Gopperth, ensured Newcastle also took a bonus point.

Nick Macleod kicked five penalties as Andrew Sheridan's first game of the season resulted in a 15-12 victory for Sale over Worcester on Friday night.

In a first half dominated by the boot, Worcester deservedly led 9-6 at the break thanks to three Andy Goode penalties compared to Macleod's two.

Although substitute Danny Gray kicked a fourth penalty for the Warriors, three more Macleod three-pointers saw the Sharks emerge victorious with Toulon-bound Sheridan playing the whole 80 minutes.

The result moved Sale up to fifth place while Worcester failed in their attempt to gain three successive victories.