Former New Zealand fly-half Nick Evans has helped Harlequins thrash Wasps 32-10 to keep the pressure on English Premiership leaders Bath.

Evans was making his first start since suffering a knee ligament injury on the opening day of the season and he made up for lost time with a match-winning display on his home debut at the Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.

Playing in the unaccustomed role of fullback, Evans scored a first-half try which put his side into a commanding 21-3 lead.

Evans finished with 19 points, kicking four penalties and a conversion, as second-placed Harlequins moved within three points of Bath.

Anthony Allen and Olly Morgan returned from injury as Gloucester claimed a 25-21 victory over Saracens.

Allen, absent from the Gloucester line-up since injuring his ankle against Leicester on the opening day, crossed to set Dean Ryan's men on their way before Morgan burst clear in the second half to put the visitors clear.

Bristol ended their eight-month wait for a Premiership win after coming from behind to beat Northampton 14-13.

Luke Eves' 69th-minute try was converted by his midfield partner Ed Barnes to halt a run of 11 successive league defeats stretching back to March.

Bristol stay bottom of the Premiership but they are now just one point behind fellow strugglers Wasps.

London Irish made light of their international absentees to beat Newcastle Falcons 24-8 at Kingston Park.

England fullback Delon Armitage was one of a trio of big names not available, but his younger brother Steffon stepped in to score the crucial try that put the Exiles in control.

On Saturday, Bath had maintained their position at the top of the table with a 25-21 win over Leicester, thanks to a last-gasp try by Butch James.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP