Premiership rugby roundup: Exeter survive Wade hat-trick as Sale deny Harlequins

Exeter Chiefs secured their first league win of the season despite a Christian Wade hat-trick, while Sale Sharks struck late to leave Harlequins still searching for a victory.

Sunday’s Premiership rugby action brought two close finishes, with Exeter beating Newcastle Red Bulls 34–28 at Sandy Park and Sale overturning a deficit to win 28–24 in Salford.

Gloucester end the third round on top, a point clear of four clubs after a weekend which also produced Northampton’s extraordinary 71–48 victory over Bath.

Exeter hold off Newcastle despite Wade treble

Ross Vintcent scored twice as Exeter finally got off the mark, but Newcastle made them work for it.

Vintcent charged down a clearance to score inside the opening minute and added another try during a frantic first quarter. Newcastle responded through Wade and Max Hicks, with Henry Slade also crossing for the hosts.

Wade’s second helped Newcastle take a 21–19 lead into half-time. Sam Harris restored Exeter’s advantage after the restart, only for Wade to complete his hat-trick following a handling error.

The decisive response came from Slade’s boot and Bachuki Tchumbadze’s late try. Newcastle took two bonus points, reward for four tries and finishing within seven points, but remain without a win.

There was an injury concern for Exeter, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso leaving the field with a leg problem.

Late penalty try keeps Harlequins waiting

Harlequins came much closer to ending their losing start, only for Sale’s forwards to settle the contest with seven minutes remaining.

Marcus Smith scored twice on his return from a finger injury, while hooker Sam Riley also crossed twice as Quins recovered some attacking fluency following their 48–0 defeat at Gloucester.

They led 17–14 at half-time and extended their advantage through Riley’s second try.

Sale stayed in touch through scores from Elia Canakaivata, Gus Warr and Ben Bamber before a powerful driving maul forced the decisive penalty try in the 73rd minute. Riley was sent to the sin-bin for bringing it down.

As detailed in the match report from RugbyPass, Sale have now followed their opening defeat by Bristol with successive wins over Saracens and Harlequins. Quins collected their first two league points but remain bottom after three defeats.

Northampton’s scoring spree headlines the weekend

Northampton supplied the weekend’s most spectacular result, scoring 11 tries in their 71–48 win over Bath.

Ollie Sleightholme claimed a hat-trick and Tommy Freeman scored twice in a match containing 18 tries. Bath crossed seven times themselves but still finished 23 points behind.

Our Northampton–Bath analysis examines how 48 points still left the visitors well beaten.

Saracens beat Bristol 30–7, with Noah Caluori marking his return from wrist surgery with a try.

Leicester had opened the round by beating Gloucester 35–28. Two bonus points in defeat proved enough for Gloucester to retain first place.

Premiership rugby table: top five

Gloucester lead on 12 points, with Northampton, Saracens, Leicester and Bath all on 11.

Position	Club	Played	Won	Lost	Points difference	Points
1	Gloucester	3	2	1	+62	12
2	Northampton Saints	3	2	1	+41	11
3	Saracens	3	2	1	+21	11
4	Leicester Tigers	3	2	1	+10	11
5	Bath	3	2	1	−1	11

Standings after Sunday 11 October. Top-five figures checked against the league table on Sale Sharks’ website.

Outside the top five, Bristol have 10 points, followed by Sale on nine and Exeter on eight. Newcastle have four and Harlequins two, leaving both clubs still waiting for their first league victory.