English round-up: Wasps foil London Irish

WASPS came from behind to win 33-25 and prevent London Irish from reclaiming top spot in the Aviva Premiership yesterday.

Fly-half Dave Walder kicked 18 points after Irish had battled to an 18-16 lead heading into the last quarter. Irish kept fighting and scored a third try in the 78th minute through Paulica Ion to seemingly snatch a losing bonus point, only for Walder to deny them with a last-minute penalty.

In the north-east, Gloucester's winning streak came to an end as they lost 12-6 to Newcastle in pouring rain at Kingston Park, with Jimmy Gopperth kicking all of the home side's points and Freddie Burns responding twice for the visitors. Saracens twice hit Bath on the break to win 17-13 and maintain their remarkable winning run on opposition territory.