Two tries from full-back Nick Abendanon and 16 points from the left boot of Olly Barkley helped the South West club capture their 11th win in 12 and secure fourth.

Bath’s victory meant 2008 champions Wasps missed out on the final playoff spot, despite a tense 25-21 win at Newcastle.

Paul Sackey scored a spectacular 60-yard breakaway try on his last game for the London club but while Rob Webber and Dan Ward-Smith also crossed for Wasps, the victory meant little without an upset at the Rec.

Meanwhile, Northampton secured second place and a home playoff semi final clash with Saracens after a comfortable 31-7 win over London Irish at the Madejski Stadium.

England's World Cup winner Mike Catt earned the biggest cheer, bringing the curtain down on his playing career with a late 13-minute cameo for Irish.

But it was the Saints who sparkled at the Madejski with centre Jon Clarke crossing twice and England winger Chris Ashton adding a third.

Saints’ playoff opponents Saracens sent a message to their hosts as they put paid to table-toppers Leicester’s unbeaten home record with a 32-23 win.

Both sides scored two tries apiece at Welford Road but Sarries’ New Zealand fly-half Glen Jackson slotted five penalties and two conversions to steer his side to victory.

Finally, relegated Worcester went down 23-22 to rivals Gloucester at Sixways and Harlequins ran in five tries in an entertaining 35-20 win over Sale Sharks at the Stoop.