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It was a soggy afternoon at Twickenham, but pre-match favourites Saracens and Harlequins fought off the wind and rain to secure victories against possible relegation rivals Worcester and Bristol.

Bristol made their return to the top flight after a seven-year absence, and despite falling short of the mark, showed glimpses of brilliance. They'll be a welcome addition to the Premiership.

Meanwhile, at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton waited too long to stage a comeback and George Ford helped Bath to a narrow victory.

So as summer seems to have come to an abrupt end, we'll leave you there to enjoy your Saturday night.

BUT, we're back tomorrow with more live action - Wasps v Exeter (15:00 BST). See you then.

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Andy Robinson talking to BT Sport:

"It was a tough pre-season and we had to answer a lot of questions in this game. But the players stood up.

"It was difficult to play in those conditions. We couldn’t keep enough possession inside their third and we turned the ball over too often.

"Quins controlled the game with their maul, which got them back into the game and we gave away two many penalties.

"We need to make sure we have better discipline."

Here's a reminder of all of today's Premiership action -

Saracens 35-3 Worcester

Saracens began their Premiership title defence of their with an easy victory over Worcester in the first game of the day at Twickenham.

Northampton 14-18 Bath

George Ford's boot gave Bath victory over Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens in Todd Blackadder's first league match in charge of the visitors.  

Harlequins 21-19 Bristol

And in the second game of the London double header, Bristol's return to the Premiership ended in defeat after Harlequins came from behind to snatch victory.

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New Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder may have seen his team win his first game in charge at Northampton, but has some concern over number eight Taulupe Faletau.

The Wales international was taken off early with an injury at Franklin's Garden and Blackadder has given us a little update.

"It sounds like a little bit of a medial (ligament), so we'll just wait and see," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

They will be hoping it's not too serious.

Harlequins fly-half Nick Evans talking on BT Sport:

"This is what you get when you train for nine weeks in beautiful sunshine, then you turn up to HQ and it rains.

"We got a scrappy win, not good enough for our standards but hopefully we will bounce back again next week.

"We played ridiculously in the first 35 minutes. But you've got to give Bristol credit. They came out of the blocks and they were really physical.

"We got a bit of momentum when they gave away some penalties. In the changing room at half time we said play simple rugby and we just got over the line."

Mike Ford
Former Bath head coach on BBC Radio 5 live

"In the end, Bristol lacked more than one kicker on the field. They couldn't really get enough field position in the second half.

"I thought it was a little bit lacklustre from Harlequins but it's the first game of the season. They didn't play the conditions well and will need to look at that."

Harlequins make it over the line after a mixed performance at Twickenham.

Bristol claim a losing bonus point but they'll be disappointed with that result. 

They scored some lovely tries but their discipline let them down this afternoon.

Mike Ford
Former Bath head coach on BBC Radio 5 live

"Without question Bristol are going to add to the Premiership. When they play at Ashton Gate no doubt they'll get good crowds there. 

"If I were Andy Robinson I'd be proud of the team. It's a great start from Bristol."

It's a very tense final few minutes here.

The referee blows for a forward pass and Steve Landsdown, Bristol's owner, goes mad in the stands.

That was a big call.

But it's the same result. 

Did Tom Varndell really forget the rules there? In any case, it worked. 

Ruaridh Jackson misses the opportunity to put Harlequins within touching distance of victory.

Mike Ford
Former Bath head coach on BBC Radio 5 live

Tom Varndell is going to get some stick in the morning.

Ruaridh Jackson misses the penalty attempt...but he's been told he can have another go.

Tom Varndell a little too eager to charge down the kick.

It's too close to call as Bristol's director of rugby Andy Robinson heads down from the stands.

Quins are charging forward through the rolling maul as Bristol are penalised once again for bringing it down illegally.

Chris Robshaw points to the posts.

Mike Ford
Former Bath head coach on BBC Radio 5 live

"This game is not over yet. Bristol chose to kick it to Varndell, which is a great option. 

"Then it's great contest between Marland Yarde and Tom Varndell and it's gone out for a Quins throw."

Harlequins director of rugby John Kingston, who took over from Conor O'Shea this season, has an anxious 10 minutes ahead of him.

His side have been well below par this afternoon, as Bristol's Tusi Pisi kicks ahead and Ross Chisholm comes across to save the day. 

Tom Varndell almost bagged his second try of the game there.

Bristol are not giving up.

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Nick Evans edges Quins in front, with a little over 15 minutes to go.

It's been all Harlequins towards the end of this game.

We're into the final 20 minutes here, as the dreadful conditions continue.

Harlequins are playing in the right areas but they can't find a way through the Bristol defence.

Will Cliff with a burst for the men in gold and they finally make it out of their half. 

The boot of Nick Evans puts Harlequins back within touching distance of Bristol.

It really is a drab day in London, but the action on the pitch has been anything but. 

The newcomers Bristol have not only shone in attack, but their defence are putting in a shift too. Soane Tonga'uiha with a good covering tackle there to keep Quins at bay.

25 minutes to go...

Mike Ford
Former Bath head coach on BBC Radio 5 live

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"You've got to admire how Bristol are playing in these conditions. 

"Tusi Pisi is having an excellent game, as has Jordan Crane. They are trying to suck Quins in to be tight in the centre and get them around the edges."