Bath's late surge earns them play-off place

BATH cruised into the Guinness Premiership play-offs and booked an away tie against league champions Leicester at Welford Road after destroying Leeds Carnegie 39-3.

It was Bath's 11th victory in 12 league games since Christmas.

Leicester, however, had the worst possible preparation, losing 23-32 at home to Saracens, the London club's first win in 32 visits to Welford Road.

Despite the win, Saracens now face an away match at Northampton, who thumped London Irish 31-7 at the Madejski Stadium.

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

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

Elsewhere, Harlequins' topsy-turvy season ended with a 35-20 defeat of Sale.