Wins for Exeter and Harlequins in Prem Rugby Cup

Exeter Chiefs moved to within a point of the summit of Prem Rugby Cup Pool A with a thrilling 46-35 bonus-point victory over bottom-side Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate.

Chiefs, who face leaders Gloucester at Sandy Park in their penultimate fixture next weekend, completely dominated the first half thanks to a powerful display from the pack who laid the platform for four tries on their way to a 22-7 lead.

Campbell Ridl went over in the corner within five minutes for the first of a hat-trick of tries following a lovely long pass from Will Haydon-Wood.

The young winger added his second on 32 minutes, after Dan John and Max Norey had stretched that lead, with Gloucester's only points coming moments before the interval from Joe Owen's converted score.

Bristol rallied after the break and further scores from Max Pepper, Rich Lane and Tomas Gwilliam kept them in touch.

But Exeter managed to stay in front throughout, adding further tries through Ridl, a second from Norey, and scores from Paul Bampoe-Brown and Lewis Pearson - although the Bears did get have the last say, Sam Worsley crossing to ensure a losing bonus point.

The only other Prem Rugby Cup fixture of the day ended in a shock first victory for previously winless Harlequins, who edged a pulsating game Pool B game 43-40 against second-placed Saracens thanks a fine late solo try from Tom Lawday.

Saracens led when Brandon Jackson crossed in the corner inside the opening minute, and although Quins were reduced to 14 men early on when Max Green yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on, Bryn Bradley's converted try levelled the scores from Ludo Kolade's pass.

The home side then edged ahead again. Jackson found Charlie Bracken, who went over, but Quins then dominated with four further tries from Jack Musk, Harry Browne, Kolade and Josh Bellamy to build a 33-14 interval lead.

Sarries, who remain second in Pool B but only three points ahead of Northampton Saints having played a game more, were vastly improved after the break.

And they looked to be on their way to a stunning comeback win as Tom Willis scored following a driving maul, before he set up Olly Hartley and Nick Tompkins for tries - all converted by Louie Johnson for a 35-33 lead.

The momentum was all with the hosts, but Oisin McCormack restored the lead for Quins and with the game completely open and increasingly frantic.

Jamie Miller was sent to the sin-bin for Quins, and the hosts made their advantage count with Seva Keva sliding over for a 40-38 advantage.

But there was still time for Lawday to gleefully accept Connor Slevin's fine pass and score a wonderful winning try in the corner to earn Quins a first cup win after four consecutive defeats.