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Rugby Union

Saints relegated despite win

28/04/2007

Northampton dropped out of the Guinness Premiership after their 27-22 win over London Irish proved too little too late to beat the drop.

The Franklin Gardens side had fatally allowed control over their own destiny to slip away and Worcester's surprise win over Saracens meant National League One now beckons for them next season.

Tries from Scottish winger Sean Lamont and mark Robinson helped overturn a 12-10 half-time gap but the result from Sixways crushed hopes of a final-day escape.

Worcester's forwards dominated their clash with the Men in Black and tries from hooker Aleki Lutui, Drew Hickey and Dale Rasmussen were answered by only a lone score from Dan Scarbrough in a convincing 22-7 victory.

In an early rehearsal for the Heineken Cup final Leicester landed a major psychological blow on London Wasps with a 40-26 win that denied their opponents a play-off spot.

Last year's champions Sale ended their defence of their title on a sour note going down 49-0 to Harlequins, while Gloucester beat west country rivals Bristol 35-13.

The play-off semi-final on May 5th will see Gloucester taking on Saracens at Kingsholm before Leicester host Bristol.

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