In amongst the long periods of aerial ping-pong, London Irish have managed to cross the whitewash on two occasions in the first-half to take an eight-point lead at the break.Sloppy tackling from the Cherry and Whites allowed Ciaran Hearn in for the first score, before a well-executed kick from Chris Noakes found Alex Lewington for number two.

Gloucester, struggling for field position and possession, have been outplayed by an intelligent London Irish side so far and need to start converting their opportunities to stay in this game.

Newcastle Falcons almost extend the lead, but there were arms under the ball according to the TMO on the one clear angle available.

Bath are down to 14, Henry Thomas off to the sin bin following a team warning - another offside penalty.

Craig Willis converts the subsequent kick this time and it's a five point gap now with just under three to go.

Leicester's Freddie Burns tees up his second penalty of the game.

His sight of the sticks was all his own making, making a neat break away and linking up with Harry Thacker, leading to the penalty.

Are there any weaknesses in this Saracens armour? They have been solid, composed, daring and powerful in the opening 20 minutes. It speaks volumes of the squad as a whole.

Now, there are many different schools of thought when it comes to rotating players. One BIG fan being Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall, whose side has a perfect record in all competitions this season with 11 wins. 

What makes that record all the more impressive is that he has used 38 players in the process. Oh, and to go one incredible stat further, Saracens have had 21 different try scorers across all competitions this season.

Image source, Getty Images

Craig Willis again drags a kick wide as Newcastle fail to build on their two-point lead.

The young fly-half has shown some smart feet and vision in this game but his place kicking has been found a little wanting.

It does suggest perhaps the method behind Dean Richards' decision to bring in the experienced Andy Goode - he's not involved today.

Bath need to find some rhythm, they've been let off the hook at times in this game and concede another penalty for a high tackle with seven to go before the break.

Nili Latu played the ball on the floor to gift Bath a kickable penalty, and Wales stand-off Rhys Priestland drills the ball through the uprights. Two points in it.

Few stoppages, particularly at scrum-time, where the contact seems to be a bit messy.

It is teeming down with rain, it's not helping but it's been a decent game given the circumstances.

We're into the last 15 minutes of the first half at as try-scorer Ciaran Hearn knocks-on in front of the Shed and the home fans get a chance to jeer the Irish centre.

There are signs that it might brighten up, but play continues to be extremely scrappy.

Image source, Getty Images

Schalk Brits pinged for not moving away at the breakdown, allowing Leicester's Freddie Burns the first sight at goal.

From right in front, the fly-half makes no mistake and slot it home for the game's opening points.

Greasy, wet conditions are the order of the day up and down the county. However, in north London they have the benefit of an artificial pitch, hence no mud.

These are two sides capable of exploiting the conditions. Strong up front and oozing slickness across the back.

Sarries may find things a bit trickier today against a Leicester side who have the third-tightest defence in the Premiership.

A long-range penalty from James Hook narrows the gap to one point and as predicted, the place kickers are playing a vital part in the tricky conditions at Kingsholm.

And action is underway, Leicester kicking off in north London as Premiership leaders Saracens host the third-placed Tigers at Allianz Park.

Ross Batty is pinged at the ruck, and Falcons fly-half Craig Willis this time finds the mark from the tee to bring Newcastle onto the scoreboard with a three-pointer.

Bath do look slick but Newcastle heads have not dropped.

It's a decent game so far in tough conditions with just over quarter of an hour gone.

Gloucester have started the better at Kingsholm and are playing the conditions well. James Hook gives the home side an early lead following a penalty for a disrupted maul.   

Image source, Getty Images

Don't forget you can listen to all the commentaries of today's Premiership and Championship games by clicking on the live coverage tab at the top of this page.

We are under way in our two 15:00 GMT kick-offs at a wet and windy Kingsholm and similarly gloomy Kingston Park.

I think we may be using the words 'handling errors' a few times today!