A late converted try from Kalaveti Ravouvou proved just enough for Bristol to maintain their winning run with a 19-17 victory as Sale lost on the road in the Gallagher Prem for a sixth consecutive game.
Northampton stunned the Prem Rugby champions Bath with a devastating display of running rugby featuring a hat-trick of tries by freewheeling England back Tommy Freeman.
Exeter came from 26-6 down to secure a dramatic 27-26 win and inflict a rare home defeat on Sale as the Gallagher PREM resumed.
Leicester Tigers eked out a 36-35 win against Sale Sharks as Bath, Harlequins and Exeter all won by big scorelines in Saturday's Gallagher Prem action.
Gloucester slipped to a fourth successive Prem defeat of the season as west country rivals Bristol toppled them 49-34 at Kingsholm.
Leicester staged an incredible fightback to beat Harlequins, whilst Exeter beat Newcastle, and Saracens took control of Bristol.
Newcastle Red Bulls have parted company with director of rugby Steve Diamond after just one match of the new Prem season.
Christian Wade has switched rugby codes again after leaving league's Wigan Warriors to join union outfit Newcastle Red Bulls from December.