SARACENS secured a Premiership semi-final tie with Gloucester after results went their way following their 22-7 defeat at Worcester on Saturday, April 28.

The West countryside outfit finished top of the league after beating Bristol while Sarries finished in fourth spot after closest rivals Wasps lost at Leicester.

Worcester, playing in front of a packed Sixways, rattled the Men in Black - minus Richard Hill who pulled out after his knee stiffened up - from the outset and fully deserved their win that sees them live to fight another day in the top flight at the expense of relegated Northampton.

Shane Drahm's early missed penalty merely added to the tense atmosphere but it was the John Brain's men who managed to make the breakthrough soon after.

Pat Sanderson powered forward after collecting from a lineout before Togan hooker Aleki Lutui burrowed over. Drahm added the extras and the score really threw the visitors who were guilty of a succession of poor handling and knock-ons.

Glen Jackson failed with a drop goal attempt before being replaced by Dan Scarbrough after needing 11 stitches to a cut on his head. Scarbrough took up his place at full-back while Thomas Castaignede reverted to fly-half.

The Men in Black's task got even more difficult five minutes before the break when Kevin Yates was sent to the cooler for failing to roll away.

Worcester took advantage of their extra man and Drew Hickey powered over from a catch and drive. Drahm made no mistake with the conversion and Sarries sorely needed to create something before the interval.

And that bit of inspiration came courtesy of replacement Scarbrough. Castaignede set away Kevin Sorrell before the centre flicked the ball to Andy Farrell. The rugby league convert spotted Scarbrough who raced under the posts. Farrell added the extras in Jackson's absence and Sarries were right back in the mix.

The visitors looked to buld on their momentum but soon found themselves breathing a sign of relief when Drew Hickey's score was ruled out after a knock-on.

After the restart Sarries conceding another try after Sorrell and Rodd Penney were bundled into touch. Worcester's patient approach play saw the forwards gain ground after several phases before Drahm's miss-pass allowed Dale Rasmussen to cross the whitewash in the corner.

Drahm missed the resulting kick but made amends with a drop goal just after the hour mark.

The proved to be the final action of the game as Worcester shut up shop to cling on.