Bristol move back to the top

Bristol continue to defy their critics by topping the Guinness Premiership table.

At the start of the season, Bristol against Harlequins would have been viewed as a must-win game for two sides scrapping against relegation.

However, Bristol continue to defy the odds - with this 33-20 victory enough to see the West Country club wrestle back control at the top of the Guinness Premiership.

There are not many that would have backed Richard Hill's side to top the table, let alone remain unbeaten, after five fixtures. But the stats doesn't lie, with seasoned title chasers Wasps and Gloucester trailing in their wake - two and three points behind respectively.

Not even the loss of inspirational captain Matt Salter to injury - the backrow being replace by Geraint Lewis after just 25 minutes - could halt Bristol as they ran in five tries for the bonus point.

Harlequins, who are sticking to the script of fighting against relegation, were not helped by the sin-binning of Chris Hala'ufia after just five minutes.

However, Dean Richards will at least take some consolation from the way his side kept fighting until the end.

England hopeful Shaun Perry had opened the scoring with an early try for Bristol, converted by Jason Strange, before Adrian Jarvis replied with a penalty.

However, Bristol moved 14-3 ahead when prop Alex Clarke powering his way over and Strange converted.

The loss of Salter and then a yellow card for fly-half Strange did disrupt Bristol's plans briefly, allowing Quins the chance to respond with a Ugo Monye try on 32 minutes.

But hopes of a Quins fight back vanished when the hosts were awarded a penalty try, which Josh Taumalolo converted, three minutes before the break.

Two quick tries - one converted by Strange - from winger David Lemi (pictured) put the game out of sight for Bristol just after the break before Harlequins at least salvaged some pride.

With eight minutes left, replacement Andre Vos powered over from close range and Jarvis added the extras. And then, although Nick Easter was sent to the sin-bin, Tani Fuga crossed out wide in the final minute.