Bath clinch play-off place

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It is 13 years since Bath were last crowned English champions, but they kept their title hopes alive by thwarting the European Challenge Cup semi-finalists. They will face the Tigers on May 9.

Fly-half Ryan Davis, Bath's tactical controller in the absence of knee injury victim Butch James, delivered an assured display, booting four penalties and three conversions to deliver a 100% strike-rate. But Saracens did not help themselves, with three players yellow-carded as their hopes of a top-seven Premiership finish evaporated.

Saracens can still qualify for next season's Heineken Cup, but only if they beat Challenge Cup opponents Northampton next Friday night, then defeat Bourgoin or Worcester in the final.

Bath clinched the points when lock Peter Short touched down 17 minutes into the second half. Wing Andrew Higgins scored a try in the first half, while Matt Banahan claimed a late breakaway score.

But their failure to claim a try-scoring bonus point means they must visit Leicester, rather than second-placed Harlequins, who will host London Irish.

Saracens opened the scoring with a first-minute try by wing Chris Wyles, while Noah Cato also crossed, yet they never seriously threatened an away win as Bath gradually took control through their more industrious forwards.