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| Sinoti Sinoti scored the try of the round with an individual solo burst as Newcastle stunned champions Exeter |
The Aviva Premiership started 2018 with a bang as round
thirteen saw a number of thrilling encounters and important results up and down
the country. The results leave just seven points between Wasps in 3rd and
Harlequins in 9th as teams break from domestic action for European fixtures.
Worcester Warriors 25-46 Bath Rugby
Bath began the new year by ending
their slide in form in emphatic fashion with a six try victory over Worcester
Warriors. Bath were in clinical form as they continued to trouble the Worcester
defence throughout the game. A Fotuali'i double put the game beyond doubt
before Worcester fought back but fell just short of stealing a losing bonus
point. The result sees Bath end their three game losing streak and compel
themselves back into contention for the top four.
Leicester Tigers 19-15 London Irish
Leicester earned a hard fought victory over a battling London Irish side, thanks to an electric perform for Johnny May and a try for Manu Tulagi on his 100th appearance. Johnny May put any concerns about his ability at full back to bed with a confident performance that saw Tigers win their first league game in five attempts. A losing bonus point for Irish could prove invaluable but they are still seeking their first away victory in the Premiership since Feb 2015.
Northampton Saints 22-19 Gloucester Rugby
A last minute penalty try gave Northampton a much needed win over Gloucester at Franklin's Gardens. While it looked like Gloucester had consigned Saints to 8th successive defeat, referee Ian Tempest, after initially deciding the ball was grounded short, spotted Andy Symons pulling down the maul and awarded the penalty try. The win will give great delight to interim head coach Alan Gaffney, while the Cherry & Whites will rue the chance to cement their place in the playoff places.
Sale Sharks 30-29 Harlequins
Joe Marler was sent off after 60 minutes, as Sale came from behind to pip Harlequins 30-29. Marler saw red for a dangerous clear out, making contact with the head of TJ Ioane. Harlequins were leading 22-17 at the time of the card but Sale came back and a Faf De Klerk penalty 5 minutes from time was enough to give Sale the win. The victory sees Sale leapfrog Harlequins in the table and move up to 7th.
Newcastle Falcons 28-20 Exeter Chiefs
Newcastle stunned league leaders Exeter with a sintilating first half display and sealed a 28-20 victory. Falcons continued to demonstrate their dangerous backline, with the pick of the tries a 60m solo dash from Sinoti Sinoti. The win, their sixth consecutive victory in all competitions, kept them in the top half of the table. Exeter battled back in the second half but had given themselves a mountain to climb, falling to their first league loss since September.
Wasps 15-38 Saracens
Saracens, rejuvenated by the return from injury of Itoje & Vunipola, put together an impressive 38-15 victory over Wasps at the Ricoh arena. Eddie Jones will be pleased to see Vunipola back in fine form in time for the Six Nations, only outdone by an outstanding display from Alex Goode, bagging himself two tries. Saracens raced to a 18-3 lead before Wasps pinned them back to 18-15 at half time, but Saracens power and precision was too much for the Wasps defence. The bonus point win sees them apply pressure on Exeter at the top of the table.
The Aviva Premiership takes an extended break, as clubs continue their European competitions and Anglo-Welsh fixtures. With the Six Nations looming large on the horizon, clubs with fewer internationals will be keen to capitalise on opportunities for points when the Premiership returns in February.
Leicester Tigers 19-15 London Irish
Leicester earned a hard fought victory over a battling London Irish side, thanks to an electric perform for Johnny May and a try for Manu Tulagi on his 100th appearance. Johnny May put any concerns about his ability at full back to bed with a confident performance that saw Tigers win their first league game in five attempts. A losing bonus point for Irish could prove invaluable but they are still seeking their first away victory in the Premiership since Feb 2015.
Northampton Saints 22-19 Gloucester Rugby
A last minute penalty try gave Northampton a much needed win over Gloucester at Franklin's Gardens. While it looked like Gloucester had consigned Saints to 8th successive defeat, referee Ian Tempest, after initially deciding the ball was grounded short, spotted Andy Symons pulling down the maul and awarded the penalty try. The win will give great delight to interim head coach Alan Gaffney, while the Cherry & Whites will rue the chance to cement their place in the playoff places.
Sale Sharks 30-29 Harlequins
Joe Marler was sent off after 60 minutes, as Sale came from behind to pip Harlequins 30-29. Marler saw red for a dangerous clear out, making contact with the head of TJ Ioane. Harlequins were leading 22-17 at the time of the card but Sale came back and a Faf De Klerk penalty 5 minutes from time was enough to give Sale the win. The victory sees Sale leapfrog Harlequins in the table and move up to 7th.
Newcastle Falcons 28-20 Exeter Chiefs
Newcastle stunned league leaders Exeter with a sintilating first half display and sealed a 28-20 victory. Falcons continued to demonstrate their dangerous backline, with the pick of the tries a 60m solo dash from Sinoti Sinoti. The win, their sixth consecutive victory in all competitions, kept them in the top half of the table. Exeter battled back in the second half but had given themselves a mountain to climb, falling to their first league loss since September.
Wasps 15-38 Saracens
Saracens, rejuvenated by the return from injury of Itoje & Vunipola, put together an impressive 38-15 victory over Wasps at the Ricoh arena. Eddie Jones will be pleased to see Vunipola back in fine form in time for the Six Nations, only outdone by an outstanding display from Alex Goode, bagging himself two tries. Saracens raced to a 18-3 lead before Wasps pinned them back to 18-15 at half time, but Saracens power and precision was too much for the Wasps defence. The bonus point win sees them apply pressure on Exeter at the top of the table.
The Aviva Premiership takes an extended break, as clubs continue their European competitions and Anglo-Welsh fixtures. With the Six Nations looming large on the horizon, clubs with fewer internationals will be keen to capitalise on opportunities for points when the Premiership returns in February.
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