Tom Voyce scored Bath's breakthrough try Final day photos

Bath 24-12 Newcastle

Bath preserved their Zurich Premiership status amid dramatic and emotional scenes at the Recreation Ground by beating Newcastle in a gripping encounter.

The 1998 Heineken Cup winners and six-times English champions avoided finishing bottom on points difference, leaving their fierce West country rivals Bristol Shoguns propping up the table.

Tries from full-back Iain Balshaw, wing Tom Voyce and flanker Nathan Thomas won the day, while fly-half Olly Barkley kicked all three conversions - including two from the touchline - and a late penalty.

Bath skipper Danny Grewcock led his players on a lap of the pitch - more in relief than celebration - after the final whistle.

Newcastle could only manage two Jonny Wilkinson penalties and a drop-goal double in reply as Bath recorded a comfortable victory to retain their seat at English rugby's top table.

We put together some of our best attacking rugby today, and I am ecstatic for the players Michael Foley Bath coach

Their tenure had looked far less secure during an edgy opening, however, in which Newcastle held the edge and quickly built a 6-0 lead through a Wilkinson drop goal and penalty.

Bath needed an immediate reply and got one when full-back Balshaw ghosted clear for a try converted by Barkley for a 7-6 lead.

Wilkinson then edged Newcastle back in front with his second penalty, but it was Bath who went into half-time with their tails up thanks to a superb try scored by Voyce.

Hooker Jonathan Humphreys bounced out of a tackle, and Balshaw straightened the attacking line magnificently, allowing Voyce to sprint away and touch down.

Barkley converted from the touchline, handing Bath a 14-9 interval advantage to keep alive their survival hopes.

Wilkinson began the second-half as he started the first - with a drop-goal, but this time from 45 metres to cut the deficit and put Bath's supporters once again on edge.

Their players, though, remained more composed and struck the decisive blow on 51 minutes with their third try.

Newcastle tried to run possession from deep, but centre Jamie Noon's pass to full-back Joe Shaw went astray.

Bath's forwards won possession and Nathan Thomas was sent scurrying over in the corner.

Barkley again converted majestically from the touchline, giving his side a 21-12 lead they never looked like surrendering.

Amid the post-match celebrations, Bath announced they will be signing England prop David Flatman and Pontypridd front-rower Duncan Bell for next season.

Bath: Balshaw; Seveali'i, Maggs, Tindall, Voyce; Barkley, Cooper; Barnes, Humphreys, Mallett, Beattie, Grewcock, G Thomas, N Thomas, Lyle.
Replacements: Blake, Mears, Stevens, Catt, Danielli, Scaysbrook, Delve.

Newcastle: Shaw; May, Noon, Mayerhofler, Stephenson; J Wilkinson, Grindal; Peel, Makin, Hurter, Hamilton, Vyvyan, Newby, Mower, Arnold.
Replacements: Botham, Walder, Charlton, Dowson, Ward, Dunbar, Thompson.

Referee: Chris White (RFU)