Leeds (12) 15
Pens: Ford 5
Bath (14) 20
Try: Stephenson Pens: Little 5

Nicky Little (left) held his nerve to secure the win with two late kicks

A Michael Stephenson try and five Nicky Little penalties eased Bath's relegation worries, while dealing a major blow to bottom club Leeds.

Three penalties from Joe Ford put Leeds 9-3 ahead before Bath struck back when Stephenson barged over and Little added two scores to take the half-time lead.

Another Ford penalty gave Leeds a 15-14 lead early in the second half, only for Little to restore Bath's advantage.

The Fijian's fifth penalty sealed a win that moves Bath clear of the drop zone.

Leeds came into the match on the back of a hard-fought victory at Newcastle, and made the early running when Ford fired two penalties.

And, after Little had got the visitors off the mark, the 19-year-old slotted his third kick to restore the Yorkshire side's six-point advantage.

Little cut the gap to three points before Bath scored the only try of the match after 29 minutes.

606: DEBATE It really looks as if the players we have lost from drug-gate and injuries have knocked the stuffing out of Bath CattyisGod

Number eight Luke Watson created the opening with a surging run down the right flank.

He was held up just short of the line but Stephenson followed up to force his way over.

A penalty apiece ensured Bath claimed the half-time lead but a tense encounter took another twist early in the second half when Ford kicked Leeds in front.

Leeds seemed comfortable in soaking up Bath pressure and even threatened to increase their lead.

But an offside decision gave Little the opportunity he needed to put Bath ahead and the New Zealand-born number 10 sealed the victory two minutes from time.

The result, coupled with Worcester's draw at Gloucester, moved Bath into 10th place, six points clear of Leeds.

Bath head coach Steve Meehan:

"Even when we were having a poor run of results, the morale was still quite high and I don't think people can quite grasp that.

"It was great to finish last year and and begin this one with a victory.

"We've got players to come back but the guys that are there now are fighting for the club and the supporters."

Leeds head coach Neil Back told BBC Radio Leeds:

"Can we stay up? Absolutely. The guys won't fail through lack of effort, but we're on 14 points and there are still 50 points up for grabs.

"While there are still points up for grabs we will maintain our confidence and belief, and why not?

"There will be a lot more twists and turns, and we will keep fighting."

Leeds: Hinton; Armstrong, Rabeni, Paul, Blackett; Ford, Gomarsall; Macdonald, Rawlinson, Gomez, Lund, Wentzel (capt), Myall, Fourie, Tooala.
Replacements: Fa'afili for Armstrong (71), Mathie for Gomarsall (60), McGee for Gomez (60), Clark for Myall (55).
Not Used: Nilsen, Hardy, Oakley, Strange.

Bath: Maddock; Stephenson, Carraro, Hape, Banahan; Little, Claassens (capt); Flatman, Mears, Wilson, Hooper, Grewcock, Beattie, Salvi, Watson.
Replacements: Barnes for Flatman (60), Dixon for Mears (72), Bell for Wilson (68), Short for Grewcock (68), Skirving for Salvi (56).
Not Used: Bemand, Davis, Cheeseman.

Att: 7,593

Ref: Dave Pearson (RFU).

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