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Rugby Union

Bath win west country battle

24/11/2007

Bath kept up their strong early-season form with a comfortable 28-13 win over neighbours Bristol in the Guinness Premiership.

Tries from Andrew Higgins, Michael Lipman and Matthew Banahan kept Steve Meehan's side in second place behind leaders Gloucester, while South African international Butch James impressed on his home debut.

Winger David Lemi crossed on the hour mark for the visitors but his side left the Rec with nothing as Bath maintained a comfortable lead throughout the second half.

Gloucester maintained their place at the top of the league courtesy of a narrow 27-25 win over Harlequins at Kingsholm.

The hosts were 25-13 adrift at the break after four first-half tries from Quins silenced the home crowd, but Tongan winger Lesley Vainikolo forced his way over for two scores after the restart to power his side back into the game.

A nerveless conversion from Chris Paterson edged Gloucester ahead and they hung on after Chris Malone's attempted drop-goal flew wide as the London side came close to a dramatic win.

Leicester eased to a 29-6 away win over struggling Leeds Carnegie in the day's other match.

Tom Varndell scored two tries with Tom Youngs also dotting down for the Tigers as they overcame difficult conditions to move up to third.