England fly-half Toby Flood kicked 24 points as Lote Tuqiri's former side Leicester strengthened their grip on top spot in the English Premiership with a 39-18 win at Worcester on Saturday.

Flood, chosen ahead of Jonny Wilkinson for England's concluding Six Nations match away to France last weekend, cashed in on a dominant Tigers display that saw him convert tries by full-back Jeremy Staunton, scrum-half Ben Youngs and substitute James Grindal.

Defeat left Worcester, whose points came courtesy of six Willie Walker penalties, bottom of the table and in the lone relegation place.

Treble-chasing Northampton, Leicester's Midlands rivals, stretched their unbeaten run to 21 matches with a hard-fought 14-9 home win over Wasps at Franklin's Gardens.

Saints' Roger Wilson scored the only try of a match in which Melbourne-bound Danny Cipriani kicked a penalty for Wasps.

But it was former rugby league man Stephen Myler, on as a replacement fly-half for Shane Geraghty, who sealed victory for Northampton, last weekend's Anglo-Welsh Cup winners and still in the hunt for the Premiership and the European Cup, with a drop-goal and a penalty late on.

Wales international Nicky Robinson scored all of Gloucester's points, a converted try and four penalties, in a 19-0 win over second from bottom Leeds.

But victory was marred for the Cherry and Whites by the sight of experienced centre Mike Tindall, who returned with great effect to England duty against France after an injury lay-off, leaving the field at Kingsholm after just six minutes with what appeared to be a groin problem.

Gloucester also lost captain and No.8 Gareth Delve early in the second half with an ankle injury.

In the day's other Premiership match, improving Bath were too strong for Harlequins in a 24-13 victory at the Recreation Ground which featured an impressive all-round display from England's Olly Barkley at inside centre.

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