Leicester take Premiership lead, Gloucester edge thriller

Leicester edged past London Irish 21-16 on Saturday to maintain their perfect start and regain top spot in the English Premiership as Gloucester beat Sale in a nine-try thriller.

Leicester staged a late comeback to make it four wins from four as George Ford kicked three penalties in the final 20 minutes.

Tigers hooker Nic Dolly dotted down first but Irish led 9-5 after three penalties from Paddy Jackson.

Hanro Liebenberg restored the Tigers' advantage with a score in the second half but the hosts went 16-12 in front following Agustin Creevy's converted try.

Ford's boot handed Steve Borthwick's men a victory that returned them to the top of the table after Harlequins' win on Friday.

Tom Curtis was the villain as Gloucester survived a late scare to emerge 33-32 winners against Sale.

The Sharks, who trailed 33-15 until the 74th minute, thought they had snatched a topsy-turvy encounter at the death as Tommy Taylor's 80th-minute score reduced Gloucester's lead to one point.

But substitute Curtis missed his second conversion in quick succession as Sale's incredible comeback was thwarted and the hosts climbed to fourth.

Gloucester had raced into a 15-0 lead after tries from Ben Morgan and Jack Singleton.

They headed into the half-time break 20-10 up thank to Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit's first score of the day.

Arron Reed reduced Sale's deficit to eight points but Rees-Zammit's second try helped the Cherry and Whites to a 33-15 lead with six minutes remaining.

Dan du Preez, Gus Warr and Taylor all crossed the line as Sale almost pulled off a remarkable comeback, but Curtis missed the decisive final two conversions.

Exeter swept aside Worcester 42-5 at Sandy Park to pick up successive wins.

England internationals Jamie George and Mako and Billy Vunipola shone as Saracens came from behind to beat Newcastle 37-23.