TOM Varndell could take another bite out of Mark Cueto’s lead over him in the all-time Premiership try scoring stakes this weekend.

Cueto is the competition’s record try scorer with 86, but the 34-year-old is in his 17th season with Sale and so far hasn’t added to his tally.

However, Varndell, 29, has begun the new campaign like a steam train.

After being left out of the opening match of the season at Twickenham, Varndell marked his recall with a try against Northampton.

That was his 76th of his career, and his 77th came a week later at Harlequins.

Varndell went over twice more against Harlequins to take his tally to four tries in three games this season – and 79th in total.

After scoring 13 Premiership tries two years ago in a fantastic double act with Christian Wade, Varndell, was eyeing up Cueto’s record last year. However, an arm injury restricted his appearances and he added just two to his overall total.

Varndell has twice scored 14 Premiership tries in a season, managing the feat for Leicester Tigers in 2006 and again in 2008.