Exeter scored five first-half tries to claim a 38-14 Gallagher Prem win over Newcastle at Kingston Park.
Northampton returned to the top of the Gallagher Prem table despite a disjointed display in a narrow 28-27 victory over battling bottom side Newcastle.
Noah Caluori scored four tries as Saracens overwhelmed Newcastle 73-14 at StoneX Stadium.
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.