Premiership Rugby Cup: Gloucester, Northampton & Leicester secure wins

Seb Atkinson with the ball for Gloucester against BristolGetty Images

Centre Seb Atkinson joined Gloucester from Worcester, following the collapse of the club

Gloucester, Northampton and Leicester all recorded Premiership Rugby Cup wins in the fourth round of group matches.

Jacob Morris scored twice as Gloucester beat West Country rivals Bristol 38-31.

Northampton held off a Newcastle comeback to win 31-28 and secure their place in the semi-finals.

Leicester thrashed Saracens 45-8 in Saturday's earlier kick-off, although both teams were already unable to reach the knockout rounds.

Saints will be joined in the last four by Sale, who thrashed Harlequins on Friday.

Morris helps keep Gloucester on top

Gloucester's second win means they remain unbeaten in the competition and move into pole position in Pool 1, although they still have to face Exeter - who also have a game in hand against Bath before the group is decided.

Winger Morris scored for the Cherry and Whites inside 60 seconds, before tries from Jack Clement and Ciaran Knight raced them 14 points clear.

Bears fly-half Tom Whiteley pulled one back, collecting a kick to run under the posts, yet a solo run from Seb Atkinson added the hosts' try bonus point just before the break.

With Bristol prop Jake Kerr in the bin, the momentum continued Gloucester's way as Morris scored his second in the corner.

Yet the Bears staged a late fight-back, with Williams and Whiteley both scoring, and, although replacement hooker Seb Blake put the win out of Bristol's reach, Fred Davies' last minute try meant the visitors left with two losing bonus points.

Northampton hold off Newcastle

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Experienced winger Courtnall Skosan scored his fourth try of this year's Premiership Rugby Cup competition for Northampton

Northampton went above London Irish to the top of Pool 3 to secure a place in the tournament's semi-finals.

Poor discipline from the hosts saw Guy Pepper in the bin after only three minutes and Saints took advantage, with George Irvine and Brandon Nansen both scoring. Courtnall Skosan made it 21-0 after 20 minutes as Newcastle saw little of the ball.

Yet the half then swung the complete other way as a trio of Falcons tries from Jamie Blamire, Zach Kerr and Pepper drew the hosts level at the break.

Robbie Smith ran over to add the bonus point for Northampton, as the team's third debutant scorer of the afternoon, and while Imi Qorowale ran from distance to score with eight minutes remaining it was too late for Newcastle, who sit bottom of Pool 2.

Leicester cruise to victory over Saracens

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Leicester fielded a more experienced side compared to Saracens' young academy squad at the StoneX Stadium

Leicester scored seven tries as they ended their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign with a resounding victory at the StoneX Stadium.

Marcus Ramage crossed first for the Tigers, before Tobias Elliott levelled.

Sean Jansen then powered over twice, either side of a try from Cameron Henderson, as Leicester raced ahead.

Francois van Wyk added the fifth from close range, before replacement hooker Tom Horton scored twice late on to complete the rout.

Despite the win, Leicester remain six points behind Sale in Pool 2 after losing their first two matches and winless Saracens remain bottom of Pool 3.

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