Bath have won their first trophy since 1998, powering to a 24-16 victory over Worcester in a highly physical European Challenge Cup final at Kingsholm in Gloucester.

Their success on Sunday ended a run of four successive final defeats in various competitions over the last decade and gave departing England internationals Steve Borthwick and Olly Barkley a memorable send-off.

Nick Abendanon and Jonny Faamatuainu scored tries for Bath while Barkley, who will play for Gloucester next season, added a drop goal, two penalties and a conversion.

Butch James also kicked a penalty for the winners.

Shane Drahm kicked three penalties for Worcester before Thinus Delport scored their late try which Joe Carlisle converted.

Bath's win denied Worcester a place in next season's Heineken Cup and guaranteed Harlequins take England's sixth place in the competition alongside Bath, Gloucester, Leicester Tigers, London Wasps and Sale Sharks.

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