London Wasps booked their place in the Guinness Premiership Final with a dominant 26–15 victory over Bath Rugby at Adams Park, three tries from Voyce, Worsley and Sackey sealing a convincing win as Lawrence Dallaglio bowed out at his home ground.
London Wasps secured their place in the Guinness Premiership Final with a commanding 26–15 victory over Bath Rugby at Adams Park on Saturday, ending Lawrence Dallaglio's final appearance at his beloved home ground with a performance of real authority.
Dallaglio, who announced his retirement earlier in the week, was given a standing ovation by a capacity crowd of 10,000 — the largest ever at Adams Park — and delivered one final masterclass in leadership before being replaced by Serge Betsen with fifteen minutes remaining.
Dave Walder proved the architect of Wasps' victory with 13 points from the boot, his three penalties in the first half establishing the platform. Bath responded through two Olly Barkley penalties to keep the tie alive at 13–6 at the break, but Wasps were simply too clinical in the second period.
Tom Voyce opened the scoring with a try on 31 minutes after a slick backs move involving Riki Flutey and Stuart Abbott — Walder converting from close range. Bath rallied after half-time, Nick Abendanon ghosting through on 48 minutes before Barkley converted to make it 13–13 with the tie suddenly alive.
But Wasps responded with their finest rugby of the afternoon. Walder's third penalty on 51 minutes restored the lead, before Joe Worsley — one of his finest performances in a Wasps shirt — drove over from a driving maul on 63 minutes. Walder again converted. Barkley's drop-goal on 67 minutes gave Bath fleeting hope, but Paul Sackey settled it emphatically, finishing brilliantly in the corner on 74 minutes.
Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan said: "We showed today why we are worthy finalists. The squad has real depth and character. This is a fitting send-off stage for Lawrence — I hope he gets the opportunity to lift the trophy next week." Dallaglio himself was emotional: "This club means everything to me. I've given everything I have for 18 years. Now it's about winning that final."