PREM Round 3 review

The first block of Gallagher PREM action came to a close with every team now having tasted defeat after three rounds.

In Round 3, all five home teams emerged victorious as records fell at Northampton Saints, 71-48 winners over Bath Rugby, while Exeter Chiefs picked up their first win against Newcastle Red Bulls, 34-28.

On Friday night, Leicester Tigers handed Gloucester Rugby their first defeat, although two late bonus points in the 38-31 loss keep the Cherry & Whites top of the table.

Then on Saturday, Bristol Bears also lost for the first time, beaten 30-7 by Saracens, while on Sunday, Sale Sharks came from behind to beat Harlequins 28-24.

Here are 10 of the standout statistical headlines from Round 3.

• Ollie Sleightholme scored three tries at the weekend. He also made the most metres (150), clean breaks (6), and beat the most defenders (12) in Round 3.
• Christian Wade scored his eighth Prem hat trick at the weekend.
• Fin Smith scored 21 points at the weekend - more than any other player. He also assisted the joint-most tries (3).
• Ben Earl made 20 carries in Round 3 (1st), beat more defenders than any other forward (9), and won a turnover.
• Chandler Cunningham-South made the most dominant carries (8) and post-contact metres (33) in Round 3.
• Tom Carr-Smith assisted 3 tries at the weekend (=1st) and scored another himself.
• Alex Coles made the most tackles in Round 3 (24), scored a try, assisted another, and made 4 clean breaks.
• Jamie Blamire made the most dominant tackles in Round 3 (4), scored a try, and won a turnover.
• Jack Kenningham won 3 turnovers at the weekend (= 1st) and made 28 post-contact metres in attack (3rd).
• Luka Ivanishvili won there joint-most turnovers in Round 3 (3).