Quins top after Saints triumph

Nick Evans
12 April 2012

Harlequins went top of the fledgling Aviva Premiership table thanks to another superb kicking performance by former New Zealand fly-half Nick Evans as they recorded a 26-13 victory over Northampton Saints.

Evans booted over 16 points from six attempts and has now scored from 13 consecutive kicks at goal in two games to start the season. Both teams won their opening game last weekend which meant the victors topping the Aviva Premiership, if only for 24 hours.

Greg Tonks crossed over after 23 minutes for the Saints, but his try seemed to be in vain as Ugo Monye and Joe Gray claimed second-half tries for the home side.

Sale bounced back from their opening-day defeat at Worcester to ignite their campaign with a hard-fought 30-29 win and condemn London Irish to a second consecutive loss.

The Sharks edged an absorbing encounter which saw them claim two first-half tries from Henry Thomas and James Gaskell before scrum-half Dwayne Peel went over for a decisive second-half score.

The Exiles, who touched down in the first half through David Paice and Jonathan Joseph, at least went home with a losing bonus point thanks to the expert kicking of full-back Tom Homer, who kicked seven goals from as many attempts.

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