Steve Meehan was delighted to finish 2008 back on top of the Guinness Premiership – but admitted he would be far happier to be leading the English elite in May.

Bath, thanks to two second-half tries from scrum-half Michael Claassens, leapfrogged London Irish after seeing off a spirited Northampton side 25-14 at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.

Head coach Meehan said: "I am happy about it but if we are there at the end of April I will be even happier."

Bath were ahead within two minutes when fly-half Butch James grubber-kicked ahead for wing Matt Banahan to touch down. James added two conversions and two penalties.

But the hosts needed the try double from the impressive Claassens to ensure they took top spot for the first time since November.

Meehan, who was also thrilled with the performances of skipper Michael Lipman and vice-captain Alex Crockett, added: "I think that's his (Classens') best performance for a number of weeks.

"Michael Claassens plays like an extra back-row forward. He has this ability to get to the breakdown, win the ball that's available and get it away quickly.

"He is aware, he is looking for these opportunities and it is off the back of some good tight work by the forwards."