Northampton Saints have secured a bonus point with a 52-30 win over Wasps at Franklin's Gardens in the Aviva Premiership.

The league leaders made a fast start to the match but they were picked off by a rapid Wasps counter-attack after five minutes, and winger Christian Wade ran most of the field to score the first try of the game.

Wales winger George North continued his fine run of form when he latched on to the end of a Stephen Myler kick to score the Saints' first try, before Wade got his second with a neat finish in the corner.

However, things turned sour for Wasps on the cusp of half time, when North slid over for his second.

A video replay showed that Wasps number eight Nathan Hughes kneed North in the head after he scored the try, and he was shown a red card.

Northampton took full advantage as they scored a penalty try from a rolling maul, before Alex Corbisiero scored two minutes later.

The Saints kept the score ticking over in the second half through two Myler penalties, but Wade completed his hat-trick with a neat score to keep Wasps in sight.

However, Northampton confirmed victory with a Ken Pisi try from close range and a late Ahsee Tuala double.