Ash smashes record as Tigers roar

CHRIS ASHTON obliterated the Premiership try-scoring record – then admitted he thought he might never get there.

Ashton’s fireworks helped ensure LEICESTER nailed a home semi-final in the play-offs with a 56-26 win over BRISTOL.

Ex-england wing Ashton was level with Tom Varndell on 92 scores before this match but finished it on 95 after a 24 minute hattrick in the first half.

Ashton, 35, said: “I had three months at home thinking that was it so I am very grateful to get the opportunity again.”

Former Tigers captain Tom Youngs led the team out after announcing his immediate retirement last week. He came back onto the pitch at half-time for another salute from the Leicester faithful and by that time his mates were out of sight.

Max Malins was in sparkling form as his four-try haul helped SARACENS consolidate second place with a 38-16 win over WORCESTER.

Sarries need just one more win from their final two games to secure a home semi-final.

Boss Mark Mccall said: “Max is one of those players who make things happen and he makes a habit of scoring tries for us.” England star Malins, Ben Earl and Rotimi Segun all scored tries for Sarries in the opening quarter of the game. Malins sealed a bonus point soon after the restart and then darted over twice more.

GLOUCESTER remain in the mix for the top four with a record 64-0 thumping of sorry BATH.

Two tries from Louis Reeszammit helped set up the whitewash.

Gloucester head coach George Skivington said: “We wanted to deliver something impressive and the boys did.”