Saints and Worcester lose Premiership openers

Northampton Saints and Worcester both began their 2016/17 Aviva Premiership campaigns with opening day defeats on Saturday.

Northampton lost 18-14 to Bath at Franklins Gardens whilst Worcester suffered a heavy 35-3 defeat to reigning champions Saracens at Twickenham.

England fly-half George Ford kicked Bath into a commanding lead with four penalties and two drop goals putting them 18-0 in front.

Northampton debutant Nic Groom scored two late tries to cut the gap to just four points but Jim Mallinder’s men were forced to settle for a bonus point.

Worcester had just a Ryan Lamb penalty to show for their trip to the home of rugby.

Second half tries from Jamie George, Alex Lozowski, Schalk Burger and Ben Spencer saw Sarries ease to a comfortable win.

On Friday night Leicester Tigers staged a stunning comeback to beat Gloucester at Kingsholm.

Gloucester had surged into a 31-7 lead but the Tigers scored four second half tries including a last minute winner from Sam Harrison to win 38-31.