Rate it!

1 votes

Bath secured the final place in the Guinness Premiership play-offs with a crushing 39-3 home win over Leeds.

First half tries by Nick Abendanon and Michael Claassens sent Bath on their way to an 11th victory in 12 league games since Christmas.

A 17-point interval advantage was extended after the break through wing Matt Banahan's touchdown, a brilliant second Abendanon try and a Joe Maddock score, while Olly Barkley kicked four conversions and added two penalties.

Leeds mustered a solitary Ceiron Thomas penalty in reply after being outclassed throughout the contest.

Jon Clarke grabbed a brace of tries as Northampton secured a home semi-final against Saracens in play-offs with a 31-7 win over London Irish at the Madejski Stadium.

Saints, who finished the regular season in second place, took an 11-0 lead into the break thanks to powerful centre Clarke's 39th-minute try and two penalties by Stephen Myler.

Chris Ashton, playing in front of watching England manager Martin Johnson, touched down for Northampton's second try, while Clarke added a third late on, with Myler kicking the rest of their points.

It was hardly the ideal way for 2003 World Cup-winning centre Mike Catt, playing the final match of his illustrious career, to bow out but he at least came off the bench for the last 13 minutes for a cameo appearance.

The hosts' only points came from Danie Coetzee's 65th-minute try, converted by Tom Homer, as Toby Booth's men ended the season in sixth place and with a lacklustre performance under their belts.

Wasps missed out on a play-off spot despite securing a hard-fought 25-21 victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park.

Bath's victory over Leeds means the London side miss out on a place in the semi-finals for the second year running since their 2008 Premiership triumph.

That result also meant the Wasps careers of Danny Cipriani, who left the field early on with a thumb injury, and Paul Sackey ended in disappointment before their moves to Melbourne Rebels and Toulon respectively.

Defeat sees Newcastle, for whom lock James Hudson was outstanding, finish a lowly 10th but, in head coach Alan Tait's first game in charge, there were encouraging signs the north-east fans can look forward to a better campaign next season.

Wasps had led 10-7 at the break thanks to a try from hooker Rob Webber and five points from the boot of fly-half Dave Walder, with Jimmy Gopperth scoring a converted try for the hosts.

Newcastle re-took the lead through Grant Shiells' try, but Dan Ward-Smith replied almost immediately for the visitors and a lovely break from scrum-half Joe Simpson sent Sackey in for a wonderful try. Walder's second penalty sealed the win before Tim Swinson got a late consolation for the Falcons.

Saracens continued their recent impressive form with a stunning 32-23 victory over Leicester at Welford Road.

It was a deserved win for the visitors, who won at Leicester for the first time in 32 visits. However, the victory was not enough to secure a home draw for Saracens in the play-offs as they now face a trip to Northampton.

Chris Wyles and Schalk Brits were the tryscorers for Sarries, while the impressive Glen Jackson contributed 19 points with the boot. Derick Hougaard also kicked a late penalty.

Alesana Tuilagi and Marcos Ayerza went over for the hosts, with Jeremy Staunton kicking the rest of their points.

Worcester Warriors ended their six-year stay in the Premiership with a 23-22 defeat to neighbours Gloucester at Sixways.

But they nearly snatched victory with the last kick of the game when replacement Willie Walker hit a 22-metre drop-goal against an upright.

Akapusi Qera, Lesley Vainikolo and Scott Lawson touched down for the visitors, while Chris Pennell, Alex Grove and Chris Latham were the tryscorers for Worcester.

Harlequins ended their campaign with a five-try, five-point 35-20 victory over Sale.

George Lowe, David Strettle, Nick Easter, Jordan Turner-Hall and Tom Williams scored tries for the hosts, with Nick Evans and Rory Clegg kicking the rest of their points.

It has been a disappointing season for Sale, although Mathew Tait and Sisa Koyamailbole gave the visiting fans something to cheer by touching down. Charlie Hodgson kicked a first-half penalty, while Lee Thomas contributed seven points.

PA Sport