THERE WERE MIXED fortunes for former Munster pair JJ Hanrahan and Donncha O’Callaghan in the Aviva Premiership this afternoon.
Hanrahan held his nerve in the dying embers to snatch victory for Northampton in an error-strewn game against Bath.
The 23-year-old slotted over a penalty from just inside Bath’s half with seven minutes remaining and the visitors held on for a 13-11 win at the Rec.
The former Ireland U20 international had earlier put the Saints into a narrow half-time lead from the tee only for George Ford’s boot and a Semesa Rokodugini try to turn the tables.
But Ford was at fault for the game’s turning point as Luther Burrell intercepted his pass to run clear and touch down under the posts before Hanrahan secured victory late-on.
It was Bath’s fourth defeat as their disappointing domestic campaign continues.
Meanwhile, Worcester Warriors paid for their indiscipline as Leicester Tigers came from behind to record a 29-20 victory at Sixways.
Dean Ryan’s Worcester came out of the blocks quickly and stormed into a 17-0 lead but four yellow cards followed and the Tigers took full advantage to overturn the deficit.
Referee Wayne Barnes showed former Ireland international O’Callaghan two yellows as he was given his marching orders shortly after the restart.
Wynand Oliver and Matt Cox both crossed the line in the early stages to give the hosts the perfect start but Leicester stayed in touch through Graham Kitchener’s try.
And O’Callaghan’s dismissal initiated the comeback as Telusa Veainu and Lachlan McCaffrey both scored to give Leicester the win and all five points.
Aviva Premiership results:
- Gloucester 23-19 Sale (Friday)
- Harlequins 38-7 London Irish
- Worcester 20-29 Leicester
- Bath 11-13 Northampton
