Worcester boss John Brain has admitted his team are "clearly the worst" in this season's Guinness Premiership as they continue to fight an increasingly desperate relegation battle.

Warriors' 33-19 defeat at Brain's former club Gloucester - coupled with fellow strugglers Northampton stunning leaders Leicester 10-9 - left rock-bottom Worcester seven points adrift.

They have just six league games remaining, and although three of those are at home - against Bath, Newcastle and Saracens - the Warriors remain without a Sixways league success this term.

Brain though, insists there will be no throwing in of the towel, despite the failure to trouble a Gloucester side that hardly moved out of second gear.

Brain said: ``I cannot remember the last time we got a break in a game, but I am not blaming luck on our predicament. We've lost too many games.

``There are no bad teams in this league, but we are clearly the worst - the table doesn't lie.

``What is worrying for me is that Gloucester have to go to Northampton next week and, if they (Gloucester) play like that up there, then they will lose.''

Peter Buxton, Mark Foster and James Bailey scored tries for Gloucester, while Ryan Lamb and Ludovic Mercier shared 18 points from the boot to remain on course for this season's title play-offs.

Northampton had lost six of their seven previous games, but even without injured fly-half Carlos Spencer, they edged past Leicester to throw themselves a Premiership lifeline.

Saints head coach Paul Grayson said: ``There is a bit of relief in the dressing room, but this is just one step on a difficult journey.

``Wins at Welford Road are always precious, and the fact they had so many international players missing gave us a chance.

``We didn't play a lot of rugby in the second-half, but we played with a lot of passion and attitude, and that is half the battle.

``We are desperate for points, and will fight like hell to get out of the situation we are in.''

It was Leicester's first Premiership home defeat for more than three years, and Tigers head coach Pat Howard added: ``We constructed so little, and I am extremely disappointed. I think that is the worst performance since I have been at Welford Road.''

Bristol remain second despite a 15-8 loss at Harlequins, where their injury problems were compounded by skipper Matt Salter suffering a dislocated shoulder that means he will not play again this season.

Bristol had already lost number eight Dan Ward-Smith until next term, while Brian Lima (hamstring), David Hill (broken finger) and Alfie To'oala (hamstring) picked up injuries against Newcastle last weekend.

New back-row signing Andrew Blowers, who arrives from New Zealand tomorrow, could now be drafted straight into the side to face Wasps next Sunday.

Bristol head coach Richard Hill said: ``Matt Salter dislocated the same shoulder against Harlequins earlier this season, and he needs an operation on it now, so that's him out for the season.

``It makes our back-row problems even worse with Ward-Smith and To'oala both out, and the Blowers signing is looking a good decision now.''

Five Adrian Jarvis penalties consolidated Quins' sixth position, and rugby director Dean Richards said: ``I was very pleased with our performance.

``We didn't score a try, which was disappointing, but Bristol have probably the best defensive record in the Premiership and you have to take your hat off to them.''

Saracens chief Alan Gaffney tipped England's World Cup-winning flanker Richard Hill to make a possible Test return later this year following a 20-20 draw with Recreation Ground hosts Bath.

Gaffney said: ``I have no doubt about it. You have only got to watch his games and the way he's been playing for the last couple of weeks - he has been outstanding.''

Hill last appeared on the international scene during an ill-fated 2005 Lions tour in New Zealand, where he suffered a serious knee injury that required surgery.

Saracens looked to have secured a vital away win after fighting back from 13-0 down with tries from Hill and Tomas de Vedia, but a late David Bory score and Olly Barkley conversion tied the game.