Cockerill confident for Bath semi

 

The Tigers sealed their spot at the Rec next Saturday by virtue of a 22-14 victory over East Midlands rivals Northampton Saints, Jordan Crane and Niall Morris scoring the crucial tries.

 

An alternative-looking Saints side led by a point at the break thanks to James Wilson's boot, but they were overpowered in the scrum after the break – Tom Stephenson's late try proving a consolation.

 

And with their run of consecutive semifinals now stretched to 11, 'Richard Cockerill hopes his side can continue their recent successes.

 

"This year has been one of our most difficult since I have been here," he admitted.

 

"To finally get there, we've been through a lot as a team but we have stayed together, got stuck in every day in training and we are in the play-offs.

 

"We have some momentum now playing the best we've played all season, and we will go down there and play to win.

 

"I am not sure I enjoyed today too much. Saints made us work really hard, we probably didn't play as well as we would have liked but it was job done."

 

Mike Ford will be confident heading into the semifinals after his men warmed up for next week's showdown with the Tigers by enjoying a 50-30 West Country derby win over Gloucester.

 

On an afternoon littered with tries, they notched seven of their own, leading Mike Ford to reflect on a successful campaign that he hopes is still a way from being over.

 

"Last year we were one point off getting fourth place. This year we're one point off top," the Bath head coach said.

 

"I know we conceded 30 points and there was a bit of an end-of-season, nothing-at-stake feel to the game, but looking at the 22 matches, it's been a great season.

 

"It's a fantastic position for us to be in, playing Leicester at home with a fully fit squad. We can't wait."

 

@premrugby