PETER STRINGER’S COMPOSED performance at scrum-half helped Bath to a 24-18 Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final win over Wasps at Adams Park.
The former Munster man played 63 minutes of an entertaining tie before making way for replacement Micky Young. Stringer will now have his sights on starting the fourth European final of his career when Bath face Northampton at Cardiff Arms Park on the 23rd of May.
The 36-year-old was named in Munster’s XV for the Heineken Cup finals in 2000, 2002 and 2006, before being restricted to the bench for the 2008 success. Now in his second season with Bath, Stringer is firmly established as first-choice scrum-half.
Two tries from hooker Rob Webber, as well as another from prop Anthony Perenise did the damage for Mike Ford’s side, while the head coach’s 21-year-old son George slotted three conversions and one penalty.
Wasps scored a Viliami Helu try and eight points from out-half Andy Goode to leave themselves 13-10 in front at half time, but their only further score in the second period was an Ashley Johnson try.
A 75th-minute yellow card for Bath inside centre Kyle Eastmond after a dangerous tackle gave Wasps some hope of grabbing a late win, but the visitors proved resilient in holding onto their lead.
Bath advance to meet the Saints in the final the evening before the Heineken Cup denouement in Cardiff, with Stringer keen to add to his collection of medals.
