Gloucester maintain momentum for Premier play-offs

The Cherry and Whites edged out the Saints 18-16 at Franklin’s Gardens, consigning Jim Mallinder’s men to their fifth successive league defeat.

Young wing Jonny May plundered two first-half tries to push Gloucester into a 12-6 half-time lead, and two second-half Nicky Robinson penalties sealed their fourth league win in a row, and eighth in all competitions.

Greig Tonks struck back with a Northampton try after the break, with Stephen Myler landing three penalties and a conversion on the afternoon.

Gloucester head coach Redpath hailed his side’s growing resolve and confidence, saying: “It’s a massive statement of intent, but I’m aware of where we are and aware of where they are too.

“We’re doing the basics well, not getting too panicky, worrying, or getting over excited and carried away.

London Irish coach Toby Booth was happy to see his side grind out a 15-9 win over Harlequins in a poor match at the Madejski Stadium.

Chris Malone kicked four penalties for Irish with Tom Homer landing one while Rory Clegg booted three for Quins.

Both side rarely threatened the tryline in a dour encounter but Booth had no complaints.

Booth said “I’m delighted with a win.

“Sure enough it wasn’t a good game to watch but I’m really not bothered about that as it is all about picking up four points.”

Bath’s stretched their unbeaten run in the Aviva Premiership to five games - but it took two second half penalties from centre Olly Barkley to seal a 12-9 win over Exeter at Sandy Park.

Bath assistant Martin Haag said: “For us it was a great win though we had to dig it out at the end.”

Alex Goode kicked seven penalties as second-placed Saracens secured their first-ever victory at Adams Park against Wasps in a 26-15 triumph.

Saracens got the only try of the game through Andy Saull, before four penalties from Dave Walder sent Wasps in at half-time one-point ahead. But the hosts could muster just one more penalty after the break as the boot of Goode secured the win.