Gary Gold’s Worcester Warriors stunned Saracens 24-18, while there were also wins for Bath, Harlequins, Sale and Leicester in the English Premiership.

The Warriors, under the guidance of Gold who is the club’s new director of rugby, beat the competition front-runners to move five points clear of the relegation zone.

Worcester, with Francois Hougaard, Wynand Olivier and Nick Schonert in their ranks, didn’t score any tries, but they capitalised on Saracens’ ill-discipline by converting eight penalty attempts to seal a famous win.

The Warriors were quick out of the blocks against Sarries, converting four penalty goals for a 12-7 half-time lead. Wing Chris Ashton’s converted try accounted for Saracens’ points.

Worcester continued to dominate the forward battle and added four penalty goals to their tally in the second half, while hooker Schalk Brits crossed for another Sarries try. His effort was only enough to secure a losing bonus point for the reigning champions.

In other results, captain Francois Louw’s Bath edged Northampton 32-30 at the Recreation Ground; Harlequins claimed a 42-8 bonus-point win against Bristol; Sale defeated Newcastle 26-24; and Leicester ended a three-match losing streak with a comfortable 34-9 victory over Gloucester.

Round 14 results:

Worcester 24 Saracens 18
Bath 32 Northampton 30
Harlequins 42 Bristol 8
Sale Sharks 26 Newcastle 24
Leicester Tigers 34 Gloucester 9

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