Tries from full-back Henry Purdy and wing Siva Naulago put the Bears in control but Northampton hit back either side of the break through flanker Nick Isiekwe and full-back George Furbank.

But in a remarkable finish, Pat Lam’s side came up with two tries inside a minute to snatch victory and maintain a seven-point buffer at the top of the table.

The first came from wing Luke Morahan who found enough space to score in the corner, before they collected the restart and hit Andy Uren who burst through a gap in the Northampton line to dot down at the posts.

That win for Bristol came after Heineken Champions Cup holders Exeter Chiefs scored seven tries in a 47-31 win over Leicester Tigers at Sandy Park on Saturday.

Prop Harry Williams burrowed over for the first of seven scores, with fly-half Joe Simmonds converting six of them in a dominant victory that leaves Exeter in second place in the Premiership.

Also on Sunday, Sale Sharks maintained their top four spot in the Premiership with a comfortable 41-13 win over London Irish.

A hattrick from wing Byron McGuigan was the highlight for the hosts who also scored tries through full-back Simon Hammersley, lock Lood de Jager and wing Arron Reed.

In the Guinness PRO14, Dragons enhanced their Heineken Champions Cup qualification prospects on Sunday with a 26-17 win over Glasgow Warriors at Rodney Parade.

Full-back Jordan Williams and lock Matthew Screech scored tries for the Welsh region in the final quarter to add to 16 points from fly-half Sam Davies, turning around a 17-9 deficit after Glasgow scored tries through hooker Fraser Brown and wing Rufus McLean.

That win pushes Dragons level with Glasgow in PRO14 Conference A on 25 points, 11 behind Ospreys in third spot.

European Rugby Challenge Cup holders Bristol Bears extended their lead at the top of the Gallagher Premiership table on Sunday after two late tries secured a 28-21 win over Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens.