Bath recorded their first Premiership win in nearly two months when they beat the Sale Sharks 12-3 at the Rec.

Fullback Tom Homer kicked four penalties to halt Bath's losing run that saw them suffer consecutive defeats to play-off rivals Saracens, Northampton and Exeter. The result elevates Bath to second on the log.

Elsewhere, Stephen Myler struck a last-minute conversion deep into stoppage time to give defending champions Northampton, who trailed 23-9 at half-time, a thrilling 33-33 draw against Gloucester.

Wasps lost their unbeaten home record in the competition, suffering a 26-17 defeat to Alistair Hargreaves' Saracens. Andy Goode contributed 16 points thanks largely to a powerful performance by the Sarries forward pack.

Harlequins rediscovered their form after beating London Irish 26-20 at The Stoop. Flyhalf Nick Evans added 16 points from the boot in a much-needed victory for Quins.

A controversial try five minutes from time was enough for the Leicester Tigers to secure a 16-12 away victory over the Newcastle Falcons.

The Exeter Chiefs lashed London Welsh 74-19. Flyhalf Henry Slade notched 21 of Exeter's points with a try, five conversions and two penalties, with Welsh yet to register a win.

Round 17 results:

Bath 12 Sale Sharks 3
Gloucester 33 Northampton Saints 33
Wasps 17 Saracens 26
Harlequins 26 London Irish 20
Newcastle Falcons 12 Leicester Tigers 16
Exeter Chiefs 74 London Welsh 19

Photo: David Rogers/GettyImages