Tigers turn tide with Wasps win

Leicester ended a run of five consecutive Zurich Premiership defeats with a 32-22 success over champions Wasps at Welford Road yestderday. Jim Richards and Neil Baxter went over for the Tigers and Italian fly-half Ramiro Pez kicked 19 points. Mark Denney touched down for Wasps and Mark van Gisbergen's boot supplied the remaining 17 points.

The game marked the official farewell of Leicester's former England full-back Tim Stimpson, who is about to join Perpignan. Stimpson, who was unable to play because of a knee injury, was given a rousing send-off by both sets of fans when brought on to the pitch at half-time.

Harlequins moved up to second in the table with a 42-21 victory at the Stoop over Northampton, who slipped to third. Ugo Monye, Pat Sanderson, Tani Fuga and Simon Keogh (two) claimed Quins' tries with Rob Hunter, Andrew Blowers and Grant Seely crossing for Saints.

Charlie Hodgson, making his first appearance since suffering a knee injury while playing for England in the spring, was one of five try scorers for fourth-placed Sale in their 37-21 home win over Leeds. Graeme Bond, Matt Cairns, Steve Hanley and Vaughan Going joined him on the Sharks scoresheet while Dan Scarbrough, Phil Christophers and Aaron Persico replied for the Tykes.

Mark McHugh kicked seven penalties and Matt Mostyn ran in a late breakaway try as third-placed Connacht upset Celtic League leaders Ulster 31-20. Ryan Constable claimed a try double for Ulster.