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Inspired Ashton gives Jones an England reminder

London -Chris Ashton gave new England coach Eddie Jones food for thought after scoring two tries in Saracens' 48-18 demolition of Worcester on Saturday.

Ashton crossed in each half in the first match of the day's double header at Twickenham to show his international credentials.

The 28-year-old won the last of his 39 caps 18 months ago and last week outlined the desire to end his international exile, encouraged by Jones's pledge that every player starts with a clean slate.

Ashton, who was included in England's initial World Cup training squad, has scored 19 Test tries but it was his defensive lapses that ultimately dragged him down the pecking order under Stuart Lancaster.

Saracens' victory offered a fitting end to the career of South African number eight Ernst Joubert, who enters retirement after playing the final match of his six-year spell at the reigning English champions.

Exeter held on to second place in the Premiership after fly-half Gareth Steenson inspired a gripping 26-25 victory over Harlequins at Sandy Park.

Steenson scored 21 points from a try, four penalties and two conversions, while wing James Short claimed a first-half touchdown, although Quins will feel frustrated that they did not triumph after substitute Tim Swiel missed an angled penalty three minutes from time.

They did collect two bonus points, with an early penalty try being followed by scores for fly-half Nick Evans, Charlie Walker and his fellow wing Tim Visser, with Evans adding a penalty and conversion.

Wasps extended their fine run with a 33-15 victory over London Irish in the second clash of the Twickenham double header.

Dai Young's side have enjoyed impressive European wins against Leinster and Toulon and that trend continued against the Exiles.

Two tries from Frank Halai and further scores from Elliot Daly and Thomas Young did the damage, while fly-half Ruaridh Jackson and replacement No.10 Jimmy Gopperth added 13 points between them.

Danny Cipriani missed a last-minute penalty as Sale had to settle for a 15-15 draw against Newcastle, who earned their first points of the Premiership season.

Newcastle scored the only try of the first half through Rob Vickers while Mike Delany also added a penalty, but four three-pointers from Cipriani took Sale into the lead at the interval.

The Sharks' stand-off then added a fifth penalty before the Falcons levelled matters through Jon Welsh's touchdown and Tom Catterick's conversion.

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