Saracens return to top with win at Wasps

After last week's impressive European Cup win over Bath, Wasps were hugely disappointing before a crowd of 24,053.

The hosts tried to play Saracens at their own kicking game but the tactic failed as their set-piece malfunctioned and they made a host of elementary errors.

Despite this, Wasps were still in contention at 9-9 at the end of the quarter but two tries in three minutes from Duncan Taylor and Owen Farrell turned the game the visitors' way.

Farrell converted both tries and kicked four penalties as Saracens took their winning run over their rivals to nine games.

Wasps could only manage a late try from Frank Halai, converted by Jimmy Gopperth, who kicked two penalties. Elliot Daly added another.

Saracens did the basics far better with former Wasp Billy Vunipola their outstanding performer.

The dominance of the visitors' pack allowed Richard Wigglesworth's kicking to control proceedings - it was more accurate than anything Wasps could manage.

Bath posted only a third Aviva Premiership win of the season - and their first for seven weeks - by edging out Recreation Ground visitors Worcester 21-14.

First-half tries by centre Ollie Devoto and wing Horacio Agulla underpinned Bath's success, although Worcester proved predictably dogged opponents during an often dour struggle.

Wales international fly-half Rhys Priestland kicked three penalties and a conversion, while Worcester replied through a Cooper Vuna try, plus two penalties from former Bath number 10 Tom Heathcote and a long-range Ryan Mills strike.

Priestland, who was handed a rare start instead of England fly-half George Ford since his move from the Scarlets earlier this year, drove Bath to victory by cleverly mixing his running and kicking game.

He was the one player on show consistently capable of making right decisions under pressure.

And it was just what Bath required ahead of next weekend's trip to Newcastle, which is followed by European Champions Cup games against Toulon, either side of meeting Leinster in Dublin, before visiting Premiership leaders Saracens on January 30.

Life will not get easier for Bath any time soon, given the demanding fixture schedule that lies ahead, but they at least collected some overdue Premiership points, despite never remotely hitting top gear.