JOHN Connolly claimed the final scoreline had flattered his side but admitted that Bath were keen to reach their first national cup final for eight years.

The Australian said: "It was a lot tougher game than the score suggested. Northampton are a tough side.

"We fought very hard and defended very strongly indeed.''

He added: "We do want some silverware. We are a couple of games away from Twickenham and there is no denying that we want to win it.

"An occasion at Twickenham would be great for the club and for the supporters.''

Bath's chances would seem to have improved, with the demise of Gloucester, Leicester and Northampton at the sixth-round stage this weekend.

But Connolly added: "Our only goal this season was to try and get into the Heineken Cup and that has not changed. Anything else that comes along will be a bonus to us.

The Bath chief also praised lock Steve Borthwick, saying "He has the physical constitution to match opponents out on the field and not only does he do the work but he's starting to run with the ball.

"His defence is good and he has that essential desire. Steve has a huge future in the game just give him a year or two.''