Gloucester secure semi spot

Gloucester secured a semi-final spot as they held off a dogged Wasps side to win 25-17 in an absorbing Guinness Premiership encounter at Wycombe.

The visitors led 15-10 at the break thanks to early tries from James Simpson-Daniel and Mike Tindall, Raphael Ibanez replying for Wasps.

Olly Morgan extended Gloucester's advantage and, despite a second try from Ibanez, Wasps still have work to do to secure a play-off place.

Sale went third in the table after overcoming a slow start against Harlequins to claim a 23-16 win at The Stoop.

Quins took an 11-0 lead through second-row forward Tom Williams's try and two Adrian Jarvis penalties.

But Richard Wigglesworth and Andy Vilk crossed for Sale and Charlie Hodgson kicked 10 points to make it 11-20 at the break. Danny Care then responded for Quins but it was not enough.

Newcastle handed Leicester's play-off hopes a major blow as they ended their miserable run of defeats with a 28-25 victory.

Tries from Andy Long and Phil Dowson, along with 10 points from the boot of Jonny Wilkinson, saw the Falcons to a 20-12 half-time lead. Jordan Crane and Tom Varndell crossed for the Tigers.

Tom May went over to extend the hosts' advantage and, despite Varndell's second try, the hosts held on to win.

London Irish maintained their push for a Heineken Cup spot as they secured a 43-20 win over Leeds.