Bath went top of the Guinness Premiership on Saturday, with a Matt Banahan hat-trick leading them to a fine 41-10 win over struggling Leeds at the Rec.

The home side was dominant for most of the match, starting with Banahan's opening try in the opening minute, and Banahan's third sealed the bonus point just after the hour mark.

Gloucester may yet overtake Bath to be the Christmas leaders if they win well at Newcastle on Sunday, and those two go head to head at the Rec in two weeks' time.

European champions Wasps' stuttering start to their campaign continued after Bristol held them to a 23-23 draw in a pulsating contest at the Memorial Stadium.

Wasps looked to have breathed life into a poor domestic season when referee Andrew Small awarded them a late penalty try.

But Bristol replacement Ed Barnes kept his nerve to kick a match-saving penalty after 83 minutes.

Saracens handed London rivals Harlequins their first home league defeat of the season as they maintained their challenge to new leaders Bath with a 27-20 win.

South Africans Neil de Kock and Brent Russell scored their opening two tries with centre Rodd Penney clinching victory with their third touchdown.

Fly-half Glen Jackson contributed 12 points, with three conversions and two penalties.

Harlequins replied with tries from Tani Fuga and winger Ugo Monye with fly-half Adrian Jarvis landing two conversions and two penalties.

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