Aviva Premiership Rugby burst back into action this weekend after a four-week break. Some crucial games for clubs at the top saw Leicester Tigers extend their lead, plus another convincing home win for Exeter Chiefs saw them move comfortably above the bottom three clubs.
As we reach the business end of the season, we'll keep you up to date with all of the latest scores and match reports. If you want to get even closer to the action, remember that premiershiprugby.tv gives you extended highlights of every match plus the opportunity to see more behind the scenes footage, especially with the launch of the new online show 'Behind the Badge' - and you can read more details about that show below.
At Edgeley Park on Friday night, Nick Abendanon, one of 12 players released back from the England squad earlier this week, ran in a crucial first-half try that inspired Bath to a hard-fought away victory over Sale Sharks. Sale showed good spirit and ran in a well-worked score from former England wing Ben Cohen shortly before half-time, but with the boot of Olly Barkley weighing in with a conversion and four penalties it was to be Bath’s night. Final score: Sale Sharks 7, Bath Rugby 19.
On Saturday Saracens kept up the pressure on Aviva Premiership Rugby leaders Leicester Tigers as they fought back from behind to inflict a home defeat on Northampton Saints, which drops them to third in the table. An entertaining first half with both sides playing some open rugby saw Saints go in at half-time with a four-point lead. The second half was equally thrilling but after Saints’ Roger Wilson was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle, Saracens accelerated with Matt Stevens going over for a try under the posts, converted by Alex Goode followed by a penalty in the final 10 minutes. A 25-metre drop goal by Brad Barritt in the last minute finished the game off to the delight of the Saracens fans. Final score: Northampton Saints 15, Saracens 29.
At the Madejski Stadium on Saturday Newcastle Falcons matched their hosts London Irish in the first half going in just 10-7 down at half time. Tries for Newcastle came from Jimmy Gopperth and Gcobani Bobo, however it was London Irish that dominated play in the second half and clinched a satisfying win, thanks to tries from Ryan Lamb, Clarke Dermody and Seilala Mapusua and points kicked by Ryan Lamb and Chris Malone. Final score: London Irish 23, Newcastle Falcons 14.
Also on Saturday, Exeter Chiefs ended Harlequins’ run of nine consecutive wins with a convincing victory at Sandy Park. The South-West outfit gained revenge for their 40-20 defeat at The Stoop in September and stretched their advantage over the bottom three in the Aviva Premiership Rugby table to seven points. Gareth Steenson kicked 15 points for Exeter Chiefs plus a second half try from Tom Johnson, to Harlequins two penalties from Nick Evans. Final score: Exeter Chiefs 20, Harlequins 6.
At Headingley Stadium on Sunday Leicester’s Tuilagi brothers made light of the Tigers’ international withdrawals with two tries against Leeds Carnegie that helped strengthen their position at the top of the Aviva Premiership Rugby table. England Saxons new boy Manu Tuilagi scored a first-half try and his Samoa international elder brother Alesana sealed the win with a second-half score, alongside five points from the boot of Jeremy Staunton. Leeds showed a strong second-half pack effort and along with three penalties from new fly-half recruit Adrian Jarvis, earned themselves a losing bonus point. Final score: Leeds Carnegie 9, Leicester Tigers 15.
At Adams Park Gloucester Rugby climbed to fourth in the Aviva Premiership Rugby table with a hard-earned away win over London Wasps. The Cherry and Whites had made a 10-0 lead by the break thanks to a try from wing James Simpson-Daniel and a conversion and penalty from fly-half Nicky Robinson. After the break Robinson’s kicking boots deserted him as he missed three further penalty attempts while Dave Walder’s trusted boots slotted in three successful kicks for the hosts. However it wasn’t enough to give the hosts any more than a losing bonus point. Final score: London Wasps 9, Gloucester Rugby 10.
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