FINDERS KEEPERS!

Russell and Bath defy fightback for treble, but losing 'That ref should be EMBARRASSED'

- By ADAM HATHAWAY at Twickenham

JOHANN VAN GRAAN'S Bath went from last place to champions in three years as they won their first Premiership title this century.

Fly-half Finn Russell pulled the strings and his interception set up a crucial try for Max Ojomoh as Bath clinched the third leg of a treble.

But fuming Leicester boss Michael Cheika threatened to report referee Karl Dickson, whose decisions, he claimed, denied the Tigers a chance to complete a remarkable comeback.

Bath's win, to add to the Challenge Cup and Premiership Cup, was a triumph for boss Van Graan, who arrived at the Rec three years ago with the club having just finished last in the league.

The South African, along with his on-field generals Russell and Ben Spencer, has moulded a champion club which finally ended 29 years of hurt by landing the title.

Van Graan, who collapsed in tears at the end, said: "We started this in July 2022, a club with no hope.

"We started to work on our hope and we moved into belief.