Gloucester staged an astounding fightback to beat London Irish 23-21 and replace the Exiles as Guinness Premiership leaders following a Kingsholm thriller.

Wing Iain Balshaw's 50th Premiership career try seven minutes from the end completed Gloucester's recovery act after they trailed 18-3 just before half-time.

Outhalf Olly Barkley kept Gloucester in the hunt by booting six penalties from seven attempts - but Irish imploded.

Early tries by wings Adam Thompstone and Topsy Ojo put the Exiles in charge as they looked to consolidate their place at the Premiership summit.

But Gloucester, low on confidence after crashing out of Europe early and lacking a victory in any competition since January 3, ultimately produced one of the Premiership's great recovery acts.

And they now lead the table by a point from Irish, whose losing bonus was scant consolation from a game they dominated for so long.

Harlequins transferred their impressive Heineken Cup form into the Guinness Premiership as they defeated Northampton 27-6 at The Stoop.

They avenged a 23-13 defeat at Franklin's Gardens in December to leave the Saints, unbeaten at home, still looking for their first Premiership away victory of the season.

South African hooker Gary Botha marked his return to the starting line-up after injury with a third-minute try for Quins.

A second-half penalty try, a touchdown by replacement lock Jim Evans and 12 points from the boot of former All Blacks outhalf Nick Evans completed the Quins scoring - Stephen Myler replying with two penalties for Saints.