Wilkinson plays full game, kicks six penalties

LONDON - Jonny Wilkinson came through safely after making his first start in his latest comeback from injury for his club side Newcastle.

His side secured a 23-16 home win over London Irish.

The first five-eighths kicked six penalties and played the full 80 minutes to boost his chances of being added to the British and Irish Lions squad to tour New Zealand in June and July.

Meanwhile, Harlequins were relegated from England's Zurich Premiership after a 23-22 home defeat by Sale left them bottom of the standings.

Sale, captained by England skipper Jason Robinson, finished third to clinch a place in the championship playoff.

On a nerve-jangling final full day of the league season, when five clubs had been in danger of the drop, Harlequins appeared safe as they opened up a 22-13 lead.

But Sale edged ahead and Quins first five-eighths Jeremy Staunton then missed an 80th-minute penalty that would have saved the famous old London club who operate in the shadow of Twickenham Stadium.

They will be replaced in the top flight by Bristol.

Northampton had seemed destined to go down as they lost 21-19 to Worcester, also battling against the drop, but Sale's comeback saved them.

Leicester, knocked out of the Heineken Cup at the semi-final stage last week, finished top of the league after thrashing Wasps 45-10 in Martin Johnson's last game at Welford Road.

The ex-England and Lions captain and his former international colleague Neil Back will both play their last game for the Midlands club on May 14 at Twickenham in the playoff final, which decides the championship.

Leicester will face either Wasps, the defending champions, or Sale, who meet in the playoff semi-final on May 7.

Wasps won the last two titles after progressing through the playoff.

- REUTERS