Wasps signal Treble intent

Wasps gave an ominous warning yesterday of their readiness to mount a serious Treble challenge with a devastating 41-0 victory over Saracens at Wycombe.

Having timed their run last season to make the play-offs, and ultimately snatch the Premiership title from Gloucester, the only apparent danger for Warren Gatland's side this time around is peaking too early. Up to second place in the Premiership table, Wasps are top of their Heineken Cup pool and face a Powergen Cup quarter-final against National League One side Pertemps Bees.

All to play for then, and on present form few teams in England or on the Continent look capable of containing them. Yesterday, after holding their own for 20 minutes, Rod Kafer's Saracens side were given an almighty run-around. Craig Dowd and young flanker Jonny O'Connor stood out in a dominant pack and the hosts had line-breakers aplenty in Fraser Waters,Tom Voyce and England's Josh Lewsey.

The procession began with two Alex King penalties, but shifted up a gear in the 26th minute when Lawrence Dallaglio and King combined to send Rob Howley over. Eight minutes later, Lewsey scored the first of his two tries.

Lewsey struck again 10 minutes into the second half and Dowd ensured the maximum-point haul, diving over after a line-out catch and drive. Wasps eased off until, a minute from time, King's break sent substitute centre Ayoola Erinle scorching away for a 70-yard try. King landed his fifth conversion to complete the scoring. Gatland was buoyant, saying: 'We are in great shape.The depth we have now means this club could be really strong for a number of years.'

World Cup-winners Martin Johnson, Neil Back and Co could not prevent Leicester succumbing to their seventh League defeat of the season, the Tigers losing 14-0 to Northampton at Franklin's Gardens, thanks to Shane Drahm's boot and a try to flanker Andrew Blowers.