Barkley books last-four slot (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Barkley books last-four slot

Olly Barkley celebrated his call-up to England's RBS 6 Nations squad by guiding Bath into the Parker Pen Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Watched by England coach Andy Robinson, the Bath fly-half amassed 16 points in a 26-7 Recreation Ground victory over Beziers which secured a semi-final clash against Montferrand.

Danny Grewcock's men went into the home leg attempting to claw back a five-point deficit from their defeat in Beziers seven days earlier, and they controlled the game, despite miserable conditions.

Among the spectators was Robinson having an early look at the Bath contingents named in the Six Nations squad this week, particularly youngsters like Olly Barkley, Steve Borthwick and Matt Stevens.

It was Barkley who did most to ensure that Bath retained their interest in the second-tier European competition, converting his own try after 10 minutes and also adding three penalties in near impossible kicking conditions.

Just as impressive was his half-back partner Martyn Wood who set up the opening try for right wing Alex Crockett after his forwards rumbled to the line from a tap penalty in the third minute.

A worry for Bath however was a leg injury to tight-head Duncan Bell after 18 minutes but Stevens came on to produce a storming display in the loose.

Bath led 18-0 at the break and Barkley added his third penalty 10 minutes after the re-start to establish a 23-point lead on aggregate.

Soon afterwards Bath lost skipper Danny Grewcock to the sin-bin and Beziers' combative pack piled on the pressure for No 8 Lionel Camisuli to score a pushover try converted by fly-half Fredericko Todeschini to kick the conversion.

Bath made the game safe however with excellent handling to put Scottish wing Simon Danielli in at the corner for an unconverted try.

Head coach John Connolly said: "We achieved what we set out to do and scored three good tries in what were pretty tricky conditions. So I am extremely pleased.''

Connolly insists all his injured players will make the field against London Wasps next weekend.

He added: "Duncan Bell has a trapped nerve in his knee, Andrew Higgins sustained a cut to his calf and required stitches while Jonathan Humphreys also required stitches.''

"We are not sure about Catty (Mike Catt) yet, but we will have Wylie Human available.''