Walder steps in for Wilkinson

Dave Walder, deputising at fly half for England's Jonny Wilkinson, scored all Newcastle's points in a flawless, record-equalling display in yesterday's 32-27 victory over Saracens.

After collecting two tries, two conversions and six penalties, 22-year-old Walder said: 'Jonny is a hard act to follow - I'm not going to be another Jonny Wilkinson. I've got to take bits from his game and learn from him. Obviously, I'm only stepping in, but it's nice to get a chance.

Walder's performance equalled the English Premiership record set by Niall Woods of London Irish against Harlequins in 1998 but he said: 'That's nice, but it's not what I'm here for. If we'd lost, it wouldn't have meant anything.' Despite Walder's heroics, Saracens kept a thrilling encounter alive until the final whistle thanks to two tries from full back Gerald Arasa and another from Scotland second row Scott Murray plus three conversions and two penalties from Duncan McRae. Scotland winger Kenny Logan kicked 18 points - four penalties and three conversions - as Wasps ended a run of four defeats with a 33-24 victory over Sale, who were delayed by heavy traffic and arrived with only 40 minutes to spare.

Tries from Shane Roiser - following a wonderful break by Josh Lewsey - Simon Shaw and Rob Henderson put Wasps in control. In reply, Bryan Redpath and Mel Deane scored tries with Nicky Little landing four penalties and a conversion.

Bath No.8 Dan Lyle returned from international duty with the U.S. Eagles to score two first-half tries and set up a 42-19 win over struggling Rotherham. Rob Thirlby Shaun Berne, Mark Gabey and Kevin Maggs also scored tries for Bath with Berne kicking three penalties and two conversions.

Fly half Luke Smith kicked four penalties for Rotherham and converted Stuart Turner's try.