What an absolutely breathtaking afternoon of Premiership rugby we've enjoyed!

A total of 22 tries, a 36-36 draw between Sale and Premiership leaders Saracens and a couple of thumping wins for Gloucester and Northampton.

If you haven't quite had your rugby fix, the small matter of England against Ireland in the Six Nations is under way. You can follow live text and BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of that match here.

We'll be back with more Premiership action on Sunday from 12:45 GMT.

Until then, goodbye and thank you for joining us.

Gloucester had the game won before half time with three tries, James Hook contributing 15 points.

After the break, the going got tough in a defensive slog for both sides. Eventually, however, Tom Savage helped secure a bonus-point win for the Cherry and Whites.

That is now three wins from four games for Gloucester as they move to seventh in the table.

Stunning pace from Charlie Sharples and he is off like a rocket. Sinoti Sinoti has no chance as Sharples blows by, a step inside and a fifth try looks on.

Newcastle gather themselves and concede a penalty. The foray forward is stopped

This game has been simmering and the two sides are starting to square up.

Moments earlier Gloucester had sight of a fourth try, Rob Cook was away but  Billy Burns was taken out. Just needed a man following up.

The sound inside Kingholm is building. Just over 10 minutes remaining and the Cherry and whites are chasing a bonus-point win.

Newcastle holding firm. No change there, frustratingly so.

We are into the final 15 minutes at Kingholm. Scores remain 25-6, so no change there since the break.

A very satisfactory second half for Northampton as they came from behind to secure a convincing bonus-point win.

Worcester were resilient but three tries from Tom Collins took its tole on their defence and they were denied the double over the Saints this season.

Sinoti Sinoti, a Newcastle marvel. Comes off the bench, provides a highlight. Nice carry and busts the tackle.

Nothing came of it, but the the winger is always worth a mention.

Oh behave yourselves gentlemen, don't offer up too much in the way of entertainment... yeah, little chance of that, it seems.

Both sides trade knock-ons. Yep, not trading penalties or tries right now. Just errors.

What is this. A moment of flowing action at Kingsholm.

Gloucester's backs swing the ball among themselves and Henry Purdy drills the ball down field and into Newcastle's 22. I'll take that as a highlight as this half is failing to reach any sort of attacking heights. Defensively, however, impressive from both sides at times.

Gloucester concede the penalty and allow Newcastle to kick out of trouble. Huge effort from Falcons to keep Gloucester out.

Newcastle on the attack now and win a penalty in the 22. However, they ignore the easy points and kick to the corner. It is a long way back into the game for Newcastle and they are showing that they are up for the fight.

Scratch that. Stephen Myler is called for blocking in midfield and the try has been wiped off. 

The gap remains at 13 points.

Gloucester have been camped close to Newcastle's line for a few minutes now.

But for as much as they have pressed, Newcastle refuse to buckle.

Newcastle's Mouritz Both is pinged for some handbags and the pressure builds.

Image source, Richard Hibbard

The noise at Kingsholm peaks for a moment as Billy Twelvetrees gets fingertips to a intercept. That had try time stamped all over it. But the moment is lost.

A spill from Newcastle moments later, however, also invites pressure on the visitors - Lewis Ludlow with the pass to Twelvetrees and Charlie Sharples was eyeing off the corner. Again, nothing to show for Gloucester. But very nearly on two occasions there.

Phil Dowson is on for Worcester as he makes his return to Franklin's Gardens.

Warriors will be hoping he can inspire his side as they have 19 minutes to turn this around.

Newcastle's Craig Willis gets the action back underway at Kingholm, sending the ball high into the overcast sky.

A few changes for both sides, Mouritz Botha coming on for Newcastle captain Will Welch, while Callum Braley replaces Willi Heinze for Gloucester.

Image source, Getty Images