Table-toppers and defending champions Leicester lost their 100 per cent home record to Saracens on the final day of the regular season but the Tigers dug deep to return to winning ways at Welford Road as England fly-half Toby Flood kicked all his team’s points in a 15-6 defeat of Bath.

And Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill admitted he was relieved to see his side progress after the manner of their defeat to Saracens.

“We were all a bit jittery after last week’s defeat,” said Cockerill, whose side reached their sixth consecutive final with the win.

“Bath are a very good side and have been playing very well so it was always going to be a tight game.

“But neither side really looked like scoring in the end. It was very attritional, we defended well and by and large we were well disciplined.”

Meanwhile, Saracens came through a rollercoaster battle with Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens with South Africa international Schalk Brits’ late converted try sealing a 21-19 victory for the visitors.

Props Soane Tonga'uiha and Brian Mujati both touched down for the hosts but scores from Alex Goode, Chris Wyles and Brits’ late effort ensured Sarries progressed.

And having finished second in the league, Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder admitted it was a cruel way to finish their season.

“Naturally, I’m very disappointed to come so close – to get ahead in the game in the second half and then to lose the game at the death,” said Mallinder.

“It’s gone and we have to reflect on a good season. We didn’t keep our discipline as much as we should and that damaged us.

“We’ll take satisfaction from finishing second in the Premiership and we’ve got some good players arriving in the summer so next season we’ll be fighting on all fronts again.”