Thursday 21st April
Wigan Warriors 26-19 Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield full-back Ryan Brierley scored a stunning hat-trick of tries but Super League's bottom club lost to Wigan, who went top of the table.
Brierley, who signed from Championship side Leigh Centurions in March, had never crossed in the top flight before.
Wigan tries from Anthony Gelling, John Bateman and Matty Smith made it 18-18.
Smith and Danny Brough swapped drop-goals before Smith landed a second one-pointer and Dan Sarginson's score sent the Warriors to the summit.
Shaun Wane's Wigan moved two points clear of Warrington and Catalans, although for so long it appeared that the visitors would register two successive wins for the first time in 2016 and move off the foot of the table.
Brierley's hat-trick was high in quality - Leroy Cudjoe's break set up his first, while his second was created by Brough's superb grubber kick.
After Huddersfield had been pegged back to 12-12 by Bateman's close-range score, some free-flowing handling gave Brierley a free run to the line - a try scored while team-mate Nathan Mason was in the sin-bin.
The final 10 minutes became a drop-goal contest between half-backs Smith and Brough, and Wigan forged a crucial one-point lead before England international Sarginson raced over in the dying seconds to clinch a thrilling victory.
Defeat for Huddersfield, who have been beaten in 10 of their 12 Super League games this season, was further soured by the loss of centre Jake Connor to a serious-looking ankle injury just before half-time.
Friday 22nd April
St Helens 38-34 Leeds Rhinos
St Helens full-back Jonny Lomax scored two tries after a 13-month absence with a knee injury to help Saints to a thrilling win over Leeds Rhinos.
It took just five minutes for Lomax to score with Joe Greenwood and Lomax's second making it 16-16 at the break.
After Kyle Amor's score, Ash Handley's try put champions Leeds ahead for the first time.
However, another from Greenwood and two tries by Theo Fages for Saints held off a late fightback by the Rhinos.
The win ends a three-game losing streak for Keiron Cunningham's side at Langtree Park and moves them up to fifth in Super League.
Lomax, 25, suffered his first serious knee injury in June 2014 and required another reconstruction last year that ruled him out for the season.
Leeds, whose try scorers included Ashton Golding, Rob Burrow, Jimmy Keinhorst (two) and Anthony Mullally, have now lost five of their last six games and sit 10th.
Their miserable start to an injury-hit season has seen them win just three of 12 matches in the defence of their title.
Widnes Vikings 16-48 Warrington Wolves
Warrington responded to back-to-back Super League defeats by beating Widnes to reclaim top spot in the table.
Wolves, beaten by St Helens and bottom-of-the-table Huddersfield in their last two games, never looked like losing again as they led 30-6 at half-time.
Kevin Penny, Joe Westerman and Stefan Ratchford all scored twice as Wolves went above Wigan on points difference.
Kurt Gidley and Ben Westwood also crossed, with Joe Mellor, Stefan Marsh and Corey Thompson replying for Widnes.
Gidley also landed seven goals and Ratchford one as Warrington converted all eight of their tries.
The Vikings had won their last three home games against Tony Smith's side but never looked like making it four in a row as Warrington completed the double over their local rivals after winning the reverse fixture 28-10 last month.
That victory on Good Friday was Warrington's seventh in a row in a perfect start to the season, but they have wobbled since with three defeats in four games before this convincing win.
Widnes also started the season well, winning six of their first seven games but have slipped into mid-table after five successive league defeats.
Denis Betts' side were soon behind as Gidley sped past Chris Dean and Penny scored in the corner. Mellor cut the deficit only for Warrington to ease clear as Westerman touched down either side of Westwood stretching for the line.
Thompson went in at the corner after the restart to give Widnes hope, but Penny darted over before Ratchford grabbed a late brace either side of Marsh's consolation.
Saturday 23rd April
Catalans Dragons 42-32 Salford Red Devils
Jodie Broughton and Richie Myler scored two tries each against Salford to help ensure Catalans Dragons maintain leadership pace in the Super League.
Dragons led 16-14 at the break, with Broughton, Myler, Morgan Escare and Vincent Duport grabbing tries, while Gareth O'Brien, Justin Carney and Junior Sa'u went over in response.
Sa'u completed his hat-trick and Niall Evalds scored to keep Salford in touch.
But tries from Brougton and Myler and Pat Richards effort sealed victory.
Richards' late try and penalty to ensure victory took his tally to 16 point for the game, while Thomas Bosc marked his 200th appearance by converting Richards' try.
Catalans moved to second in the table behind Warrington Wolves and ahead of Wigan Warriors on points difference, with Super League's top three sides equal on 18 points after 12 games.
The defeat leaves Salford 11th in the table.
Sunday 24th April
Wakefield Wildcats 28-46 Hull FC
Fetuli Talanoa ran in four tries for Hull FC as they ended Wakefield's five-match winning run in Super League.
Ashley Gibson opened the scoring for the hosts before the Black and Whites responded through captain Gareth Ellis, Talanoa (two) and Josh Bowden.
Gibson completed his hat-trick and Tom Johnstone placed down as it was all square at 24-24 at half-time.
Danny Kirmond put Wakefield ahead, but Kirk Yeaman, Jamie Shaul and another two tries from Talanoa secured the win.
Hull FC remain fourth in Super League but are just two points off leaders Warrington after their sixth win in their past seven games.
The Wildcats last defeat was 22-4 on 18 March against Hull FC and this was head coach Chris Chester's first home loss since he took charge.
Castleford Tigers 16-58 Hull KR
Thomas Minns scored a hat-trick as Hull KR came from behind as they responded to their Challenge Cup exit with victory against Castleford Tigers.
Maurice Blair went over the visitors in the first minute before Jake Webster and Ryan Hampshire put Cas ahead.
Minns, Albert Kelly and Graeme Horne helped Rovers take the lead but Jy Hitchcox reduced the deficit.
Rovers reached 11 tries as Ken Sio and Iain Thornley scored twice, Minns added two more and Mitchell Allgood got one.
A third Super League win for Hull KR this term moved them into 10th place above Leeds, while Castleford remain seventh.
The Robins entered into the match off the back of a 22-36 defeat by Championship side Oldham Roughyeds in the Challenge Cup, but produced an emphatic performance.
Both sides had players sin-binned when Paul McShane and Shaun Lunt clashed off the ball, but Rovers' score of 38-0 in the second-half showed their dominance.
Sunday, 24 April 2016
Super Rugby Friday 22nd April to Sunday 24th April 2016
Friday 22nd April
Highlanders 14-15 Sharks
Melbourne Rebels 36-14 Cheetahs
Saturday 23rd April
Sunwolves 36-28 Los Jaguares
Hurricanes 27-28 Chiefs
Western Force 13-49 Waratahs
Stormers 40-22 Reds
Southern Kings 10-45 Lions
Sunday 24th April
Brumbies 14-40 Crusaders
Highlanders 14-15 Sharks
Melbourne Rebels 36-14 Cheetahs
Saturday 23rd April
Sunwolves 36-28 Los Jaguares
Hurricanes 27-28 Chiefs
Western Force 13-49 Waratahs
Stormers 40-22 Reds
Southern Kings 10-45 Lions
Sunday 24th April
Brumbies 14-40 Crusaders
Saturday, 23 April 2016
Aviva Premiership Saturday 23rd April 2016
Bath 32-26 Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks' faint chances of play-off spot were dented as they lost their game in hand at an improved Bath.
The hosts dominated the first half and led 17-0 thanks to Ollie Devoto and Charlie Ewels' early tries.
Sale narrowed the deficit to just three points with quickfire Johnny Leota and Andrei Ostrikov scores after the break.
But Semesa Rokoduguni and Will Homer's tries made sure of Bath's win, before late scores from TJ Ioane and Brian Mujati's earned Sale a bonus point.
Sale's late tries ensured they got two points despite defeat, boosting their hopes of a top-six finish.
Sale Sharks' faint chances of play-off spot were dented as they lost their game in hand at an improved Bath.
The hosts dominated the first half and led 17-0 thanks to Ollie Devoto and Charlie Ewels' early tries.
Sale narrowed the deficit to just three points with quickfire Johnny Leota and Andrei Ostrikov scores after the break.
But Semesa Rokoduguni and Will Homer's tries made sure of Bath's win, before late scores from TJ Ioane and Brian Mujati's earned Sale a bonus point.
Sale's late tries ensured they got two points despite defeat, boosting their hopes of a top-six finish.
Sunday, 17 April 2016
Aviva Premiership fixtures 15th Apr to 17th Apr
Friday 15th April
Gloucester 16-9 Exeter
Gloucester edged out Exeter to keep their top-six hopes alive and prevent the Chiefs from sealing a Premiership play-off place for the first time.
Exeter, promoted from the Championship in 2010, remain second behind Saracens.
After a pointless first half - the first top-flight game to be 0-0 at half-time in seven years - the match came to life with Ollie Thorley's debut try and two Gareth Steenson penalties.
Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw landed three kicks to secure Gloucester's win.
Saturday 16th April
Worcester 35-54 Wasps
Christian Wade equalled the Premiership record for most tries in a game as he scored six against Worcester to lift Wasps to second in the table.
England winger Wade scored four tries in the first half before adding two more from interceptions in the second to seal a play-off place for Wasps.
Worcester scored six tries of their own in a game which totalled 14 at Sixways.
Wade, 24, equalled the previous record set by Saracens' Ryan Constable against Bedford exactly 16 years to the day.
The British and Irish Lion's incredible individual display, on his 100th appearance for Wasps, saw him move to second on the leading Premiership try-scorers chart for this season, two behind Exeter's Thomas Waldrom with 13.
His first try came after Frank Halai had scored Wasps' opener in response to an early Ryan Mills penalty, and by half-time Wade had stretched his personal tally to four, either side of Francois Hougaard and Cooper Vuna scores for the hosts.
Wasps were seemingly out of sight at 33-15 ahead, but Worcester scored four more tries of their own in the second half to pick up a bonus point.
However, Dean Ryan's side could never keep up with Wasps and especially Wade, as he broke away for two more of his own before replacement fly-half Alex Lozowski completed their scoring late on.
Wasps climb above Exeter into second and look well set for a home semi-final in the play-offs with two games to play.
Saracens 22-12 Harlequins
Saracens extended their lead at the top of the Premiership with victory over London rivals Harlequins in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
Chris Ashton scored twice and England lock George Kruis added another as Sarries led 19-9 at half-time, with Ben Botica kicking all of Quins' points.
Botica and Owen Farrell each landed a penalty in a try-less second period.
Saracens are now four points clear of second-placed Wasps, while Harlequins' play-off hopes are all but over.
The Twickenham Stoop outfit are now nine points off fourth-placed Leicester with two matches to play, following Tigers' thrilling victory over Northampton Saints in Saturday's East Midlands derby.
Conor O'Shea, who leaves in the summer to become Italy head coach, will now be pinning his hopes of one last piece of silverware with Quins on the European Challenge Cup, with his side set to face Grenoble in the semi-finals next Friday.
But Saracens, who play Wasps in the European Champions Cup last four, are still very much fighting on all fronts after a commanding display at Wembley.
After Botica had kicked Harlequins into an early lead, two fine Ashton tries and another from Kruis ensured they were always in control against their local rivals.
Mark McCall's side need just five points from their remaining two fixtures to be absolutely certain of a home semi-final in the top-flight play-offs.
Northampton 24-30 Leicester Tigers
Leicester moved closer to securing a top-four finish with a narrow victory over local rivals Northampton.
Tries from Harry Thacker and Vereniki Goneva put the Tigers 17-13 up at the break, with Teimana Harrison replying.
Freddie Burns kicked penalties either side of George Pisi's score but a penalty from Stephen Myler brought the hosts back to within two points.
Burns then converted his own try to put Leicester 30-21 up before JJ Hanrahan's late penalty set up a tense finale.
Leicester remain fourth in the table but are now seven points ahead of fifth-placed Northampton with two games of the regular campaign remaining.
It means Richard Cockerill's side, who face Racing 92 in next Sunday's European Champions Cup semi-final, are on the brink of reaching the play-offs for the 12th successive season.
Burns was faultless kicking from the tee, ending with a personal haul of 20 points after his second-half try put Leicester in control.
The Tigers defence had to withstand late pressure as Northampton attacked in search of a late try, but Leicester held on to record just their second away win since mid-December.
Sunday 17th April
Sale Sharks 29-17 Bath
Two late tries gave Sale victory over Bath and moved the Sharks into the Premiership's top six.
Sale, unbeaten at home in the top flight since April 2015, were 17-9 ahead at half-time through Vadim Cobilas and Will Addison tries.
George Ford's boot brought Bath's only points of the half, but Semesa Rokoduguni crossed and Ford kicked again to draw them level.
However, David Seymour and Mark Easter gave the hosts a bonus-point win.
Newcastle Falcons 13-6 London Irish
Newcastle Falcons produced a superb second-half defensive display to beat London Irish and pull seven points clear of the Premiership's bottom club.
The Exiles, members of the top flight since 1996, now face Harlequins and Wasps in their two remaining fixtures.
Greig Tonks had kicked them in front at Kingston Park, but Marcus Watson's try and penalties from Mike Delany and Juan Pablo Socino put Falcons 13-6 ahead.
London Irish dominated after half-time but were unable to break through.
Tom Coventry's side created numerous try-scoring opportunities, only to be thwarted by a combination of resolute Newcastle defence, wayward handling and poor decision-making at the crucial moment.
Asaeli Tikoirotuma was arguably most guilty, attempting an ambitious offload when presented with a straightforward 10-metre finish to the corner, while Andrew Fenby was unlucky not to successfully ground Shane Geraghty's grubber through.
Even Newcastle's first-half try came from a London Irish error, as Tonks' pass on the edge of the Falcons 22 was intercepted by Watson for an eye-catching 60-metre touchdown.
London Irish will now need to earn surprise victories over both Quins and high-flying Wasps if they are to have any chance of catching 11th-placed Newcastle, who play Saracens and Sale in the last two rounds.
Gloucester 16-9 Exeter
Gloucester edged out Exeter to keep their top-six hopes alive and prevent the Chiefs from sealing a Premiership play-off place for the first time.
Exeter, promoted from the Championship in 2010, remain second behind Saracens.
After a pointless first half - the first top-flight game to be 0-0 at half-time in seven years - the match came to life with Ollie Thorley's debut try and two Gareth Steenson penalties.
Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw landed three kicks to secure Gloucester's win.
Saturday 16th April
Worcester 35-54 Wasps
Christian Wade equalled the Premiership record for most tries in a game as he scored six against Worcester to lift Wasps to second in the table.
England winger Wade scored four tries in the first half before adding two more from interceptions in the second to seal a play-off place for Wasps.
Worcester scored six tries of their own in a game which totalled 14 at Sixways.
Wade, 24, equalled the previous record set by Saracens' Ryan Constable against Bedford exactly 16 years to the day.
The British and Irish Lion's incredible individual display, on his 100th appearance for Wasps, saw him move to second on the leading Premiership try-scorers chart for this season, two behind Exeter's Thomas Waldrom with 13.
His first try came after Frank Halai had scored Wasps' opener in response to an early Ryan Mills penalty, and by half-time Wade had stretched his personal tally to four, either side of Francois Hougaard and Cooper Vuna scores for the hosts.
Wasps were seemingly out of sight at 33-15 ahead, but Worcester scored four more tries of their own in the second half to pick up a bonus point.
However, Dean Ryan's side could never keep up with Wasps and especially Wade, as he broke away for two more of his own before replacement fly-half Alex Lozowski completed their scoring late on.
Wasps climb above Exeter into second and look well set for a home semi-final in the play-offs with two games to play.
Saracens 22-12 Harlequins
Saracens extended their lead at the top of the Premiership with victory over London rivals Harlequins in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
Chris Ashton scored twice and England lock George Kruis added another as Sarries led 19-9 at half-time, with Ben Botica kicking all of Quins' points.
Botica and Owen Farrell each landed a penalty in a try-less second period.
Saracens are now four points clear of second-placed Wasps, while Harlequins' play-off hopes are all but over.
The Twickenham Stoop outfit are now nine points off fourth-placed Leicester with two matches to play, following Tigers' thrilling victory over Northampton Saints in Saturday's East Midlands derby.
Conor O'Shea, who leaves in the summer to become Italy head coach, will now be pinning his hopes of one last piece of silverware with Quins on the European Challenge Cup, with his side set to face Grenoble in the semi-finals next Friday.
But Saracens, who play Wasps in the European Champions Cup last four, are still very much fighting on all fronts after a commanding display at Wembley.
After Botica had kicked Harlequins into an early lead, two fine Ashton tries and another from Kruis ensured they were always in control against their local rivals.
Mark McCall's side need just five points from their remaining two fixtures to be absolutely certain of a home semi-final in the top-flight play-offs.
Northampton 24-30 Leicester Tigers
Leicester moved closer to securing a top-four finish with a narrow victory over local rivals Northampton.
Tries from Harry Thacker and Vereniki Goneva put the Tigers 17-13 up at the break, with Teimana Harrison replying.
Freddie Burns kicked penalties either side of George Pisi's score but a penalty from Stephen Myler brought the hosts back to within two points.
Burns then converted his own try to put Leicester 30-21 up before JJ Hanrahan's late penalty set up a tense finale.
Leicester remain fourth in the table but are now seven points ahead of fifth-placed Northampton with two games of the regular campaign remaining.
It means Richard Cockerill's side, who face Racing 92 in next Sunday's European Champions Cup semi-final, are on the brink of reaching the play-offs for the 12th successive season.
Burns was faultless kicking from the tee, ending with a personal haul of 20 points after his second-half try put Leicester in control.
The Tigers defence had to withstand late pressure as Northampton attacked in search of a late try, but Leicester held on to record just their second away win since mid-December.
Sunday 17th April
Sale Sharks 29-17 Bath
Two late tries gave Sale victory over Bath and moved the Sharks into the Premiership's top six.
Sale, unbeaten at home in the top flight since April 2015, were 17-9 ahead at half-time through Vadim Cobilas and Will Addison tries.
George Ford's boot brought Bath's only points of the half, but Semesa Rokoduguni crossed and Ford kicked again to draw them level.
However, David Seymour and Mark Easter gave the hosts a bonus-point win.
Newcastle Falcons 13-6 London Irish
Newcastle Falcons produced a superb second-half defensive display to beat London Irish and pull seven points clear of the Premiership's bottom club.
The Exiles, members of the top flight since 1996, now face Harlequins and Wasps in their two remaining fixtures.
Greig Tonks had kicked them in front at Kingston Park, but Marcus Watson's try and penalties from Mike Delany and Juan Pablo Socino put Falcons 13-6 ahead.
London Irish dominated after half-time but were unable to break through.
Tom Coventry's side created numerous try-scoring opportunities, only to be thwarted by a combination of resolute Newcastle defence, wayward handling and poor decision-making at the crucial moment.
Asaeli Tikoirotuma was arguably most guilty, attempting an ambitious offload when presented with a straightforward 10-metre finish to the corner, while Andrew Fenby was unlucky not to successfully ground Shane Geraghty's grubber through.
Even Newcastle's first-half try came from a London Irish error, as Tonks' pass on the edge of the Falcons 22 was intercepted by Watson for an eye-catching 60-metre touchdown.
London Irish will now need to earn surprise victories over both Quins and high-flying Wasps if they are to have any chance of catching 11th-placed Newcastle, who play Saracens and Sale in the last two rounds.
Saturday, 16 April 2016
Super Rugby Fixtures Friday 15th April & Sat 16th April
Friday 15th April
Crusaders 32-15 Los Jaguares
Melbourne Rebels 13-38 Hurricanes
Cheetahs 92-17 Sunwolves
Saturday 16th April
Blues 23-18 Sharks
Waratahs 20-26 Brumbies
Bulls 41-22 Reds
Lions 29-22 Stormers
Crusaders 32-15 Los Jaguares
Melbourne Rebels 13-38 Hurricanes
Cheetahs 92-17 Sunwolves
Saturday 16th April
Blues 23-18 Sharks
Waratahs 20-26 Brumbies
Bulls 41-22 Reds
Lions 29-22 Stormers
Friday, 15 April 2016
Super League fixtures 14th & 15th April
Thursday 14th April
St Helens 12-30 Catalans Dragons
Jodie Broughton scored four tries as Catalans Dragons won their sixth game in a row to go joint top of Super League.
Broughton went over twice in the first eight minutes and completed his treble before the break with the 100th try of his career.
St Helens rallied briefly with Theo Fages and Luke Walsh going over either side of Broughton's third.
But Richie Myler and Pat Richards added to the lead before Broughton's finale.
Warrington remain top of the table on points difference and have a game in hand on Catalans.
Todd Carney was involved as Broughton's early double, one of which was converted by Pat Richards, put the visitors 10-0 up.
Jake Spedding set up Fages' reply but Broughton soon sealed his hat-trick after more good work by Carney.
Saints had enjoyed a good spell of play in the middle of the half and looked to have found a way back into the match when Luke Walsh, on his 50th appearance for the club, scored a try which he converted himself to cut the deficit to 14-12 at the break.
However, within four minutes of the restart, Myler and Richards had restored the visitors' superiority.
Richards' kicking was slightly wayward and he was successful with only two of his six conversion opportunities, but he did complete the scoring with a 71st-minute penalty.
It was the second time in his career that Broughton had scored four tries in a match - the first was against Dragons for Salford in 2011.
Friday 15th April
Huddersfield Giants 11-0 Warrington Wolves
Warrington missed out on the chance to extend their Super League lead with a shock defeat at Huddersfield.
The hosts came into the game bottom of the table, but took a well-deserved half-time lead when Aaron Murphy went over in the corner.
Warrington offered little in attack, and Danny Brough extended Giants' lead with a penalty and a drop-goal.
Leroy Cudjoe's late try sealed the win for Huddersfield, who move above Leeds into 11th place in the table.
Leeds Rhinos 20-18 Hull FC
Leeds Rhinos clung on to record only their third Super League win of the season against a gritty Hull FC.
The hosts led at the break when Jordan Lilley converted a penalty goal after Jimmy Keinhorst and Chris Green exchanged first-half scores.
Kirk Yeaman looked to have extended Hull's winning run with his try, but Lilley crossed to overhaul the deficit.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan battered his way over late on to put Leeds 20-12 up and Danny Houghton's try came too late.
It was Leeds's first win in five and ended Hull's run of five straight wins.
The game was played in near-constant rain and the subsequent conditions certainly affected the standard.
Keinhorst's try, as much as Leeds looked more like their 2015 vintage in scoring it, came on the back of Hull errors.
Big forwards and short balls were the key to Green's crash over, as the vaunted expansive game of Hull's recent wins was sacrificed for direct running.
Lilley's penalty goal option emphasised the need to take points opportunities before the break.
Yeaman's score was tinged with controversy as it looked like he might have been ahead of play from the kick.
However, Lilley's smart finish gave Leeds hope and Jones-Buchanan had Headingley rocking with his drive over.
Houghton added anxiety to the mix with a late score but the hooter came to lift Leeds spirits.
Wigan Warriors 26-12 Castleford Tigers
Wigan moved level on points with Super League leaders Warrington by coming from behind to beat Castleford.
Denny Solomona crossed for Castleford, but Wigan led at half-time against the run of play through Lewis Tierney's try and Matty Smith's penalty kick.
Grant Millington's try put the visitors back in front, before John Bateman went over to restore Wigan's two-point lead.
Nick Gregson got his first senior try and Bateman crossed again late on as Warriors climbed to third in the table.
St Helens 12-30 Catalans Dragons
Jodie Broughton scored four tries as Catalans Dragons won their sixth game in a row to go joint top of Super League.
Broughton went over twice in the first eight minutes and completed his treble before the break with the 100th try of his career.
St Helens rallied briefly with Theo Fages and Luke Walsh going over either side of Broughton's third.
But Richie Myler and Pat Richards added to the lead before Broughton's finale.
Warrington remain top of the table on points difference and have a game in hand on Catalans.
Todd Carney was involved as Broughton's early double, one of which was converted by Pat Richards, put the visitors 10-0 up.
Jake Spedding set up Fages' reply but Broughton soon sealed his hat-trick after more good work by Carney.
Saints had enjoyed a good spell of play in the middle of the half and looked to have found a way back into the match when Luke Walsh, on his 50th appearance for the club, scored a try which he converted himself to cut the deficit to 14-12 at the break.
However, within four minutes of the restart, Myler and Richards had restored the visitors' superiority.
Richards' kicking was slightly wayward and he was successful with only two of his six conversion opportunities, but he did complete the scoring with a 71st-minute penalty.
It was the second time in his career that Broughton had scored four tries in a match - the first was against Dragons for Salford in 2011.
Friday 15th April
Huddersfield Giants 11-0 Warrington Wolves
Warrington missed out on the chance to extend their Super League lead with a shock defeat at Huddersfield.
The hosts came into the game bottom of the table, but took a well-deserved half-time lead when Aaron Murphy went over in the corner.
Warrington offered little in attack, and Danny Brough extended Giants' lead with a penalty and a drop-goal.
Leroy Cudjoe's late try sealed the win for Huddersfield, who move above Leeds into 11th place in the table.
Leeds Rhinos 20-18 Hull FC
Leeds Rhinos clung on to record only their third Super League win of the season against a gritty Hull FC.
The hosts led at the break when Jordan Lilley converted a penalty goal after Jimmy Keinhorst and Chris Green exchanged first-half scores.
Kirk Yeaman looked to have extended Hull's winning run with his try, but Lilley crossed to overhaul the deficit.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan battered his way over late on to put Leeds 20-12 up and Danny Houghton's try came too late.
It was Leeds's first win in five and ended Hull's run of five straight wins.
The game was played in near-constant rain and the subsequent conditions certainly affected the standard.
Keinhorst's try, as much as Leeds looked more like their 2015 vintage in scoring it, came on the back of Hull errors.
Big forwards and short balls were the key to Green's crash over, as the vaunted expansive game of Hull's recent wins was sacrificed for direct running.
Lilley's penalty goal option emphasised the need to take points opportunities before the break.
Yeaman's score was tinged with controversy as it looked like he might have been ahead of play from the kick.
However, Lilley's smart finish gave Leeds hope and Jones-Buchanan had Headingley rocking with his drive over.
Houghton added anxiety to the mix with a late score but the hooter came to lift Leeds spirits.
Wigan Warriors 26-12 Castleford Tigers
Wigan moved level on points with Super League leaders Warrington by coming from behind to beat Castleford.
Denny Solomona crossed for Castleford, but Wigan led at half-time against the run of play through Lewis Tierney's try and Matty Smith's penalty kick.
Grant Millington's try put the visitors back in front, before John Bateman went over to restore Wigan's two-point lead.
Nick Gregson got his first senior try and Bateman crossed again late on as Warriors climbed to third in the table.
Sunday, 10 April 2016
The 2016 Masters @ Augusta 7-10 April
Round 4 report
Danny Willett claimed a shock Masters win with a superb five-under-par 67 as 2015 champion Jordan Spieth crumbled during a thrilling final round.
The Englishman, 28, won his first major by three shots on five under to become the first British victor in 20 years.
Overnight leader Spieth, 22, led by five shots as he approached the 10th at Augusta, but the American dramatically dropped six shots in three holes.
He ended with a one-over 73, tying for second with England's Lee Westwood.
Westwood's three-under-par 69 gave him his second Masters runners-up finish on two under, with Paul Casey, another Englishman, one shot further back in a tie for fourth.
Spieth will be left ruing a remarkable collapse on the iconic par-three 12th.
He twice found the water in front of the green as he carded a quadruple bogey seven - to follow successive bogeys on the 10th and 11th holes.
That catapulted Sheffield's Willett, who was playing the par-five 15th, into the outright lead - a lead that he would not relinquish after signing for the joint-lowest round of the final day.
Willett's rapid rise
Willett is one of the golf's rising stars, having climbed from outside the top 100 to inside the top 10 in less than two years.
But few would have predicted a first major win in only his second appearance on the unforgiving Augusta course, especially because his participation at the Masters had been in doubt, with wife Nicole due to give birth on the final day.
However, the early arrival of baby Zachariah meant Willett, who said he would have stayed at home if his son had not been born, was able to play.
Willett lay three shots adrift of Spieth on level par going into Sunday after opening rounds of 70, 74 and 72.
But he moved to within a stroke with a birdie at the eighth, his eagle putt just coming up short, on his way to a front-nine 34.
Three successive pars from the 10th and birdies on the 13th and 14th saw him move into the lead as Spieth stumbled.
A further birdie on the par-three 16th kept him clear of the field as he completed one of only two bogey-free final rounds.
Who is Danny Willett?
The son of a vicar, he was born on 3 October, 1987 in Sheffield
Left school at 16 but later attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama on a golfing scholarship
Won the 2007 English Amateur Championship and in early 2008 became the world's top-ranked amateur
Turned professional in 2008 and clinched his first European Tour victory at the 2012 BMW International Open in Germany
Won twice on the European Tour in the 2015 season and made his Masters debut where he finished tied 38th
Captured his fourth European Tour victory at the Dubai Desert Classic in February
The world number 12, who rises to ninth after this win, received a standing ovation as he walked towards the 18th green, on the verge of emulating fellow Englishman Nick Faldo, who won his third and final Green Jacket in 1996.
There was still a nervous wait for Willett though with Spieth needing to birdie the last two holes to force a play-off.
However, the Texan bogeyed the par-four 17th after finding a greenside bunker with his approach, allowing Willett to start his celebrations early.
Spieth was given a sympathetic reception as he trudged towards the clubhouse after a par four on the last but it was no consolation for the emotional two-time major winner.
As Masters tradition dictates, the world number two then had to help Willett into the Green Jacket.
"It's been crazy," said Willett. "You can't really describe the emotions and feelings.
"We all try to play good golf and someone has to win. Fortunately today it was my day. It was a very surreal day when you look back at the ebbs and flows."
Spieth's remarkable meltdown
Spieth was aiming to become only the fourth back-to-back winner at Augusta.
He stood on the 10th tee with a five-shot lead after four straight birdies, only to see that advantage dwindle to one by the time he walked onto the 12th.
Dropped shots at the 10th and 11th, coupled with birdies for Willett just ahead on the 13th and 14th, resulted in a four-shot swing.
Then came Spieth's remarkable meltdown at the 12th.
Jordan Spieth's disastrous seven at the par-three 12th
The world number two planted his tee shot into into Rae's Creek, then clubbed a heavy second attempt into the water, before hitting his fifth shot into the bunker at the back of the green.
He managed to get up and down in two shots from there, but the damage was done.
"It was just a lack of discipline coming off the two bogeys instead of realising I was still leading the Masters by a couple of shots," said Spieth.
"I have no doubt about my ability to close majors, I just think it was a very tough 30 minutes that hopefully I don't experience again."
English invasion
Willett was not the only Englishman to impress in the final round.
Westwood, who also finished second in 2010, moved into contention with three birdies before the turn.
An chip-in eagle on the par-five 15th put the former world number one, 42, within a shot of Willett, only for a bogey on the next and two final pars to leave him short.
Lee Westwood finish tied second at the 2016 Masters
Westwood claimed his ninth top-three finish at a major - without winning one of the prizes
Former Ryder Cup player Paul Casey and young Yorkshireman Matt Fitzpatrick, the only two in the 57-man field to match Willett's final-round 67, finished tied fourth and tied seventh respectively.
Justin Rose, the 2013 US Open champion, finished in a tie for 10th on one over, alongside Northern Ireland's four-time major winner Rory McIlroy and Australia's world number one Jason Day.
McIlroy struggles
McIlroy started the week bidding to become only the sixth man to win all four majors, but his chances of overhauling the rest of the field were slim after a third-round 77 left him five shots adrift of the lead.
The Northern Irishman then bogeyed the first after pushing a nervy opening tee-shot right into the trees.
The world number three, 26, birdied the third to go back level but slipped back again with dropped shots on the next two holes.
He finished with a scrappy round of 71 thanks to seven birdies and six bogeys.
"This is the one that I haven't won and this is the one I want to win more than anything else," said the former Open, US PGA and US Open champion.
"Once I overcome that mental hurdle that I'm struggling with at the minute, then I know how to play this course."
German veteran Bernhard Langer, whose only major wins came at Augusta in 1985 and 1993, began two shots off the lead and dreaming of becoming the oldest major champion by a decade.
But the 58-year-old former world number one made a nightmare start, bogeying the first and dropping two more on the third.
Four more bogeys left him tied 24th.
It was a more memorable day for Ireland's Shane Lowry, US Ryder Cup captain Davis Love and 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, who all claimed holes-in-one on the par-three 16th.
Round 3 report
-3 J Spieth; -2 S Kaufman; -1 B Langer (Ger), H Matsuyama (Jpn); Level J Day (Aus), D Johnson, D Willett (Eng)
Selected others: +1 L Westwood (Eng), B Snedeker, S Kjeldsen (Den); +2 R McIlroy (NI); +3 J Rose (Eng); +4 C Wood (Eng), P Casey (Eng); +5 M Fitzpatrick (Eng), J Donaldson (Wal); +7 S Lowry (Ire); +9 S Garcia (Spa)
Jordan Spieth will begin the final day at the Masters with a one-shot lead but playing partner Rory McIlroy's bid faltered on day three at Augusta.
In a tough breeze, 22-year-old Spieth carded a one-over 73 to lead for a record seventh consecutive round.
Smylie Kaufman will play with his fellow American on Sunday, with former champion Bernhard Langer and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama a further shot behind.
McIlroy, 26, started the day one behind Spieth, but ended five back after a 77.
The Northern Irishman started his third round with genuine hopes of winning the Green Jacket after a late rally on Friday.
But his bid to become only the sixth man to win all four majors suffered following a birdie-free round featuring three bogeys and one double bogey which left him in a tie for 11th place.
McIlroy will tee off at 18:55 BST on Sunday, with the final pairing of Spieth and Kaufman going out at 19:45.
Bernhard Langer rolls back the years at Augusta
Sloppy Spieth offers hope
Saturday was billed as a showdown between the final pairing of Spieth and McIlroy, but the expected battle between golf's youthful poster boys failed to materialise.
World number three McIlroy struggled to find his rhythm throughout, allowing Spieth to take control without the defending champion being at his fluent best.
But while McIlroy was unable to pick up any shots, blowing a decent chance at the last by pushing wide a nine-foot putt, his rival still managed to grind out five birdies.
However, Spieth's card suffered considerably with two rare double bogeys.
The Texan three-putted on the 505-yard, par-four 11th, offering hope to his nearest challengers who, at this stage, were Matsuyama and Langer.
He rectified that sloppy mistake with three birdies in the next four holes, opening up another four-stroke lead over 24-year-old Kaufman, who had emerged from the pack with three birdies of his own in the final six holes.
But Spieth's poor final hole - driving right into the trees before falling 50 foot short of the pin with an undercooked third shot - gave renewed belief to the rest of the leaderboard.
"Two under with three to go and the wind at your side, I just got really wayward from there," said Spieth.
"I just have to absolutely throw away the finish to this round, pretend it's a new round, everyone is tied and you have to shoot the best score to win.
"I have to understand it's the position I wanted to be in after 54 holes and not think about the finish to this round."
McIlroy's Green Jacket search set to continue
Spieth had earlier extended his lead with a two-putt birdie on the par-five second, where McIlroy had to settle for a par after missing from nine feet.
McIlroy dropped his first shot on the par-four third, whereas Spieth recovered from a wayward drive to save par and extend his lead to three.
By the turn, the world number two was four shots ahead, before McIlroy's challenge faded when he pulled tee-shots at 10 and 11 on his way to dropping three shots.
That may have all but ended his Masters quest for another year, despite the four-time major winner arresting his decline with seven straight pars on his way back to the clubhouse.
"I couldn't get anything going really," McIlroy said. "I am disappointed. I felt like I righted the ship a little on the back nine but couldn't take the few opportunities I gave myself.
"If I am to take heart from anything then it's the fact Jordan has just let a lot of people in after his finish."
Langer rolls back the years
Langer played his first Masters in 1982 - 11 years before Jordan Spieth was born
The day was billed as a showdown between Spieth and McIlroy - but it was a player at the other end of his career who threatened to steal the show.
Former world number one Langer, who won the Green Jacket in 1985 and 1993, was five shots adrift of overnight leader Spieth at the start of Saturday's third round.
But the veteran German carded three birdies in a front-nine 35 to make the biggest progress on 'Moving Day' - the penultimate day of a major where contenders on the fringes know they must perform well.
Langer dropped a shot on the iconic par-three 12th, but bounced back with three straight birdies to take a share of second place with Matsuyama.
A loose tee-shot out right on the 18th left him scrambling, but he managed to limit the damage by holing a tricky seven-foot putt for bogey.
The Augusta galleries showed their appreciation for the unlikely challenger, now ranked 1,080 in the world, with a standing ovation.
"I believe I can win. Obviously it depends how the others do," said Langer.
"If I play my best, I can shoot four or five under tomorrow, I think, if the conditions are a little bit better."
How 'brutal' was Augusta?
Horschel ball blown into water
The world's best golfers struggled to tame Augusta in a testing third round caused by winds gusting up to 30mph.
Only five of the 57-man field managed to finish under par, Kaufman carding the best round of the day with a three-under 69.
But the course was described as "brutal" by another American, Kevin Kisner, who shot a 76.
"Every shot is just guessing and hitting and praying. I never felt comfortable even on wedge shots all day and putts are just brutal," he said.
"I watched [playing partner] Justin Thomas hit a four-footer that went 55 feet. I mean you don't see that stuff. It's not supposed to happen."
Asked what he could learn from the experience, he joked: "Yeah, you go home and have a beer and sit on the couch and laugh at everybody else."
Round 2 report
-4 J Spieth; -3 R McIlroy (NI); -2 D Lee (NZ), S Piercy; -1 B Snedeker, S Kjeldsen (Den), H Matsuyama (Jpn)
Selected others: Level D Willett (Eng), S Garcia (Spa), S Lowry (Ire), B DeChambeau, D Johnson; +1 J Day (Aus), B Langer (Ger), C Wood (Eng); +2 L Westwood (Eng), P Casey (Eng), J Rose (Eng), J Donaldson (Wal)
Rory McIlroy closed the gap on leader Jordan Spieth to one shot as he revived his Masters bid at Augusta National.
McIlroy, aiming to complete a clean sweep of four majors, sunk three birdies in the final six holes to move to three under par after two rounds.
The Northern Irishman, 26, carded a one-under 71 before defending champion Spieth posted a two-over 74.
At one stage before his late rally, McIlroy trailed American Spieth, 22, by eight shots.
But the turnaround, facilitated by Spieth dropping four shots, tightened a leaderboard which he had threatened to dominate.
Spieth and McIlroy go into the weekend as the final pairing after American amateur Bryson DeChambeau blew his chance of separating them on the 18th.
DeChambeau, 22, whipped two tee shots way left, eventually finding a suitable dropping position after long discussions with Augusta officials before holing for a triple-bogey seven.
New Zealand's Danny Lee and American Scott Piercy are the nearest challengers to Spieth and McIlroy on two under.
Brandt Snedeker, Soren Kjeldsen and Hideki Matsuyama are one under, with England's Danny Willett, Ireland's Shane Lowry and Spaniard Sergio Garcia among those on level par.
With swirling winds continuing to challenge the players, McIlroy was one of only four players in the 89-man field to shoot a below-par round.
Four-time major winner McIlroy said his gutsy fightback was "up there" with the best rounds of his career.
"I kept my composure and I played the shots when I needed to," he said.
McIlroy leading the charge
McIlroy failed to capitalise on birdies on the second and third, compounding a double bogey on the next with further dropped shots on the fifth and 11th.
But the world number three, aiming to become the sixth man to claim the career Grand Slam, reignited his challenge with a birdie on the par-five 13th.
Further birdies followed on 15 and 16 before he saved his par on the last with a six-foot putt - greeted with a fist-pump - after a wayward drive right into the trees.
"It's only the second day; there's still two days to go," McIlroy said.
"But it's a great round and it's nice to be up there near the lead going into the weekend, instead of on the cut line and having to battle back from where I found myself the last couple years.
"I'm happy with where I'm at."
Spieth's stutter offers hope
Despite the difficult conditions in Georgia, few would have predicted Spieth's demise after he levered himself into such a position of strength.
An opening birdie was followed by another on the third, moving him five shots clear of the chasing pack after he began the day with a two-stroke lead.
But his normally immaculate putting failed him at the fifth, a four-putt leading to a double bogey and ending his record as the only player yet to drop a shot.
A birdie at the par-five eighth offered false hope to the Texan, who bogeyed the ninth and 10th before becoming annoyed at being timed for slow play as he waited for the wind to die down on his approach to the 11th.
Spieth carded his first over-par round in 10 career rounds at the Masters
It was a rare example of two-time major winner Spieth losing composure and, although he birdied the 15th, dropped shots on the 16th and 17th brought McIlroy within one.
Only Spieth's plucky save for par from a bunker on the last prevented his rival from starting the weekend level.
"I thought even par was a good score today," said Spieth, who has now led the Masters for six successive rounds - matching Arnold Palmer's feat in the early 1960s.
"It was a couple of strokes higher than I was looking for. It was a bit disappointing but it is pretty much a new tournament coming our way over the weekend.
"It was a grind on each hole. Emotionally it gets you going a little. The person who walks the tallest will win next over the next couple of days."
Mixed fortunes for previous Green Jacket winners
Phil Mickelson shot a 79 - his worst round at Augusta - to finish seven over and miss the cut by one stroke for only the third time in 24 starts
2013 champion Adam Scott, one of the pre-tournament favourites after back-to-back titles in March, shot three birdies on the back nine to finish four over
Two-time champion Bubba Watson sneaked in just above the cut on six over
But 2007 winner and current Open champion Zach Johnson missed the cut by two shots - after being given a two-shot penalty when his club touched the water in Rae's Creek on the par-five 13th
Tom Watson, the Green Jacket winner in 1977 and 1981, waved an emotional farewell to Augusta with a 78 to finish eight over
Wales' Ian Woosnam, playing on the 25th anniversary of his Masters victory, also missed the cut and revealed that this will be his final Augusta visit because of a persistent back injury
World number five Rickie Fowler - yet to win a major - missed the cut on nine over
'Everyone looked at me like I didn't have pants on'
Former world number one Ernie Els was the talk of Augusta on Thursday after carding the worst first hole in Masters history - and the four-time major winner said he still felt ashamed before his second round.
After a double bogey on the first - the scene of his quintuple nine - the South African recovered to shoot a one-over 73 on Friday.
"After what I did you feel quite embarrassed and I couldn't get myself going," Els said.
"It was a very weird, surreal feeling this morning. It was like I walked on to the range and even the players and caddies, they kind of just looked at me as if I didn't have pants on or something. It wasn't a nice feeling."
Round 1 Report
-6 J Spieth; -4 S Lowry (Ire), D Lee (NZ)
Selected others:-3 P Casey (Eng), J Rose (Eng), S Garcia (Spa), I Poulter (Eng); -2 D Willett (Eng), R McIlroy (NI); -1 L Westwood (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng); level J Day (Aus), G McDowell (NI), P Mickelson, H Stenson (Swe), B Langer (Ger)
Reigning Masters champion Jordan Spieth holds a two-shot lead going into Friday's second round after carding a six-under-par 66 at Augusta National.
With Rory McIlroy slipping back late to two under, Spieth made his move early with three birdies on the front nine.
The 22-year-old American added three more on the back nine as he went through his round without a bogey.
Ireland's Shane Lowry is four under, while England's Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose are three under.
"I put it up there with one of the best rounds I've played," said world number two Spieth.
"I got a lot out of the round with what I felt like was kind of average-ish ball striking."
Spieth on the charge
After a stellar 2015, Spieth came to Augusta in less certain form.
But his remarkable record on this course - runner-up to Bubba Watson on his debut in 2014, champion in a record-equalling score a year ago having made a first-round 64 - continued as greens softened by overnight rain did only a little to compensate for a tricky blustery wind.
A birdie on the 10th was followed by crucial par saves from the trees on the 11th and over the green on the 12th, before a two-putt on the 13th for birdie.
Spieth, who is looking to become just the fourth player after Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods to retain the Masters title, kissed his putter after holing from 15 feet for par on the 16th.
And he finished with a birdie from five feet to reach a cumulative 29 under par for his nine competitive rounds at Augusta.
"I think the round may have been better than the first round last year because of the conditions - I would have signed for two under today and not even played the round, knowing the conditions that were coming up," said the Texan.
Casey said of his playing partner: "That was a flawless round. I played a wonderful round, but it was great to have a front-row seat to watch that."
World number one Jason Day had moved to within a shot of Spieth on the 14th but then three-putted the 15th before driving into the water on 16.
That resulted in a double bogey and a four-shot swing across the two holes, and an errant tee shot on the next led to another dropped shot as he closed on even par.
Lowry impresses as McIlroy finishes poorly
Lowry, 29, had four birdies across the first five holes and held on across a solid back nine to join New Zealand's Danny Lee on four under.
"I'm sure I'm going to be sitting back tonight thinking at some stage about wearing a Green Jacket. I'm only human," he said.
"But I've just got to kind of give myself a slap in the face and get myself back into reality and try to get down to business and keep hitting good shots and see where that leaves me at the end of the week."
After a contrastingly inconsistent start, McIlroy began his own charge with an eagle on the 13th, a magnificent approach followed by a 10-foot putt.
A birdie attempt on the next missed by a whisker, but he sank a 12-foot putt up the slope on 15 to go to four under, only to miss a short one on 16 to drop back.
He then put a short approach on the 18th into the bunker, splashed his shot from the sand 20 feet past the flag and left the par putt short to end the day in 10th.
"If someone had given me 70 on the first tee I probably would have taken it," said McIlroy. "It's a little disappointing with the way I finished, but anything under par was a good score."
English trio in contention
Casey, who finished joint sixth last year after failing to qualify for the previous two Masters, had moved within a shot of the lead with a birdie of his own on the 16th before dropping back with a bogey on the par-four 17th.
The 38-year-old was joined at three under by first Rose, in a round that combined six birdies with three bogies, and later an upbeat Poulter.
Rose, joint second a year ago, was utilising a new putting grip, switching to a 'claw' for the first time.
Rose 'really pleased' with strong start
"I stumbled across it last week and it just felt too good to deny," said the 35-year-old.
"I have putted OK this year but I feel if I am going to win the Masters I am going to have to putt great - it was a gamble but I felt it was one worth taking."
Poulter, 40, dropped shots on 10 and 11 but battled back with birdies on the 13th, 14th and 16th.
He said: "That was tricky out there - the wind was swirling around the front nine, but I played lovely."
Hell for Els
Four bogeys and a double bogey on the back nine left two-time champion Watson with a three-over 75, but it was South African Ernie Els who was the talk of the course after a horrific putting display on the first green.
The four-time major winner, who has twice finished second at the Masters, reached the green in three but then six-putted from within three feet.
It was the worst ever first-hole score at the tournament, and left the 46-year-old five over as he trudged to the second tee.
Rickie Fowler was another big name to endure a poor start as a double bogey on the first and an eight on 13 contributed to an eight-over-par 80.
"Golf's tough. It's a fine line, especially at this place," the American said.
Danny Willett claimed a shock Masters win with a superb five-under-par 67 as 2015 champion Jordan Spieth crumbled during a thrilling final round.
The Englishman, 28, won his first major by three shots on five under to become the first British victor in 20 years.
Overnight leader Spieth, 22, led by five shots as he approached the 10th at Augusta, but the American dramatically dropped six shots in three holes.
He ended with a one-over 73, tying for second with England's Lee Westwood.
Westwood's three-under-par 69 gave him his second Masters runners-up finish on two under, with Paul Casey, another Englishman, one shot further back in a tie for fourth.
Spieth will be left ruing a remarkable collapse on the iconic par-three 12th.
He twice found the water in front of the green as he carded a quadruple bogey seven - to follow successive bogeys on the 10th and 11th holes.
That catapulted Sheffield's Willett, who was playing the par-five 15th, into the outright lead - a lead that he would not relinquish after signing for the joint-lowest round of the final day.
Willett's rapid rise
Willett is one of the golf's rising stars, having climbed from outside the top 100 to inside the top 10 in less than two years.
But few would have predicted a first major win in only his second appearance on the unforgiving Augusta course, especially because his participation at the Masters had been in doubt, with wife Nicole due to give birth on the final day.
However, the early arrival of baby Zachariah meant Willett, who said he would have stayed at home if his son had not been born, was able to play.
Willett lay three shots adrift of Spieth on level par going into Sunday after opening rounds of 70, 74 and 72.
But he moved to within a stroke with a birdie at the eighth, his eagle putt just coming up short, on his way to a front-nine 34.
Three successive pars from the 10th and birdies on the 13th and 14th saw him move into the lead as Spieth stumbled.
A further birdie on the par-three 16th kept him clear of the field as he completed one of only two bogey-free final rounds.
Who is Danny Willett?
The son of a vicar, he was born on 3 October, 1987 in Sheffield
Left school at 16 but later attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama on a golfing scholarship
Won the 2007 English Amateur Championship and in early 2008 became the world's top-ranked amateur
Turned professional in 2008 and clinched his first European Tour victory at the 2012 BMW International Open in Germany
Won twice on the European Tour in the 2015 season and made his Masters debut where he finished tied 38th
Captured his fourth European Tour victory at the Dubai Desert Classic in February
The world number 12, who rises to ninth after this win, received a standing ovation as he walked towards the 18th green, on the verge of emulating fellow Englishman Nick Faldo, who won his third and final Green Jacket in 1996.
There was still a nervous wait for Willett though with Spieth needing to birdie the last two holes to force a play-off.
However, the Texan bogeyed the par-four 17th after finding a greenside bunker with his approach, allowing Willett to start his celebrations early.
Spieth was given a sympathetic reception as he trudged towards the clubhouse after a par four on the last but it was no consolation for the emotional two-time major winner.
As Masters tradition dictates, the world number two then had to help Willett into the Green Jacket.
"It's been crazy," said Willett. "You can't really describe the emotions and feelings.
"We all try to play good golf and someone has to win. Fortunately today it was my day. It was a very surreal day when you look back at the ebbs and flows."
Spieth's remarkable meltdown
Spieth was aiming to become only the fourth back-to-back winner at Augusta.
He stood on the 10th tee with a five-shot lead after four straight birdies, only to see that advantage dwindle to one by the time he walked onto the 12th.
Dropped shots at the 10th and 11th, coupled with birdies for Willett just ahead on the 13th and 14th, resulted in a four-shot swing.
Then came Spieth's remarkable meltdown at the 12th.
Jordan Spieth's disastrous seven at the par-three 12th
The world number two planted his tee shot into into Rae's Creek, then clubbed a heavy second attempt into the water, before hitting his fifth shot into the bunker at the back of the green.
He managed to get up and down in two shots from there, but the damage was done.
"It was just a lack of discipline coming off the two bogeys instead of realising I was still leading the Masters by a couple of shots," said Spieth.
"I have no doubt about my ability to close majors, I just think it was a very tough 30 minutes that hopefully I don't experience again."
English invasion
Willett was not the only Englishman to impress in the final round.
Westwood, who also finished second in 2010, moved into contention with three birdies before the turn.
An chip-in eagle on the par-five 15th put the former world number one, 42, within a shot of Willett, only for a bogey on the next and two final pars to leave him short.
Lee Westwood finish tied second at the 2016 Masters
Westwood claimed his ninth top-three finish at a major - without winning one of the prizes
Former Ryder Cup player Paul Casey and young Yorkshireman Matt Fitzpatrick, the only two in the 57-man field to match Willett's final-round 67, finished tied fourth and tied seventh respectively.
Justin Rose, the 2013 US Open champion, finished in a tie for 10th on one over, alongside Northern Ireland's four-time major winner Rory McIlroy and Australia's world number one Jason Day.
McIlroy struggles
McIlroy started the week bidding to become only the sixth man to win all four majors, but his chances of overhauling the rest of the field were slim after a third-round 77 left him five shots adrift of the lead.
The Northern Irishman then bogeyed the first after pushing a nervy opening tee-shot right into the trees.
The world number three, 26, birdied the third to go back level but slipped back again with dropped shots on the next two holes.
He finished with a scrappy round of 71 thanks to seven birdies and six bogeys.
"This is the one that I haven't won and this is the one I want to win more than anything else," said the former Open, US PGA and US Open champion.
"Once I overcome that mental hurdle that I'm struggling with at the minute, then I know how to play this course."
German veteran Bernhard Langer, whose only major wins came at Augusta in 1985 and 1993, began two shots off the lead and dreaming of becoming the oldest major champion by a decade.
But the 58-year-old former world number one made a nightmare start, bogeying the first and dropping two more on the third.
Four more bogeys left him tied 24th.
It was a more memorable day for Ireland's Shane Lowry, US Ryder Cup captain Davis Love and 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, who all claimed holes-in-one on the par-three 16th.
Round 3 report
-3 J Spieth; -2 S Kaufman; -1 B Langer (Ger), H Matsuyama (Jpn); Level J Day (Aus), D Johnson, D Willett (Eng)
Selected others: +1 L Westwood (Eng), B Snedeker, S Kjeldsen (Den); +2 R McIlroy (NI); +3 J Rose (Eng); +4 C Wood (Eng), P Casey (Eng); +5 M Fitzpatrick (Eng), J Donaldson (Wal); +7 S Lowry (Ire); +9 S Garcia (Spa)
Jordan Spieth will begin the final day at the Masters with a one-shot lead but playing partner Rory McIlroy's bid faltered on day three at Augusta.
In a tough breeze, 22-year-old Spieth carded a one-over 73 to lead for a record seventh consecutive round.
Smylie Kaufman will play with his fellow American on Sunday, with former champion Bernhard Langer and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama a further shot behind.
McIlroy, 26, started the day one behind Spieth, but ended five back after a 77.
The Northern Irishman started his third round with genuine hopes of winning the Green Jacket after a late rally on Friday.
But his bid to become only the sixth man to win all four majors suffered following a birdie-free round featuring three bogeys and one double bogey which left him in a tie for 11th place.
McIlroy will tee off at 18:55 BST on Sunday, with the final pairing of Spieth and Kaufman going out at 19:45.
Bernhard Langer rolls back the years at Augusta
Sloppy Spieth offers hope
Saturday was billed as a showdown between the final pairing of Spieth and McIlroy, but the expected battle between golf's youthful poster boys failed to materialise.
World number three McIlroy struggled to find his rhythm throughout, allowing Spieth to take control without the defending champion being at his fluent best.
But while McIlroy was unable to pick up any shots, blowing a decent chance at the last by pushing wide a nine-foot putt, his rival still managed to grind out five birdies.
However, Spieth's card suffered considerably with two rare double bogeys.
The Texan three-putted on the 505-yard, par-four 11th, offering hope to his nearest challengers who, at this stage, were Matsuyama and Langer.
He rectified that sloppy mistake with three birdies in the next four holes, opening up another four-stroke lead over 24-year-old Kaufman, who had emerged from the pack with three birdies of his own in the final six holes.
But Spieth's poor final hole - driving right into the trees before falling 50 foot short of the pin with an undercooked third shot - gave renewed belief to the rest of the leaderboard.
"Two under with three to go and the wind at your side, I just got really wayward from there," said Spieth.
"I just have to absolutely throw away the finish to this round, pretend it's a new round, everyone is tied and you have to shoot the best score to win.
"I have to understand it's the position I wanted to be in after 54 holes and not think about the finish to this round."
McIlroy's Green Jacket search set to continue
Spieth had earlier extended his lead with a two-putt birdie on the par-five second, where McIlroy had to settle for a par after missing from nine feet.
McIlroy dropped his first shot on the par-four third, whereas Spieth recovered from a wayward drive to save par and extend his lead to three.
By the turn, the world number two was four shots ahead, before McIlroy's challenge faded when he pulled tee-shots at 10 and 11 on his way to dropping three shots.
That may have all but ended his Masters quest for another year, despite the four-time major winner arresting his decline with seven straight pars on his way back to the clubhouse.
"I couldn't get anything going really," McIlroy said. "I am disappointed. I felt like I righted the ship a little on the back nine but couldn't take the few opportunities I gave myself.
"If I am to take heart from anything then it's the fact Jordan has just let a lot of people in after his finish."
Langer rolls back the years
Langer played his first Masters in 1982 - 11 years before Jordan Spieth was born
The day was billed as a showdown between Spieth and McIlroy - but it was a player at the other end of his career who threatened to steal the show.
Former world number one Langer, who won the Green Jacket in 1985 and 1993, was five shots adrift of overnight leader Spieth at the start of Saturday's third round.
But the veteran German carded three birdies in a front-nine 35 to make the biggest progress on 'Moving Day' - the penultimate day of a major where contenders on the fringes know they must perform well.
Langer dropped a shot on the iconic par-three 12th, but bounced back with three straight birdies to take a share of second place with Matsuyama.
A loose tee-shot out right on the 18th left him scrambling, but he managed to limit the damage by holing a tricky seven-foot putt for bogey.
The Augusta galleries showed their appreciation for the unlikely challenger, now ranked 1,080 in the world, with a standing ovation.
"I believe I can win. Obviously it depends how the others do," said Langer.
"If I play my best, I can shoot four or five under tomorrow, I think, if the conditions are a little bit better."
How 'brutal' was Augusta?
Horschel ball blown into water
The world's best golfers struggled to tame Augusta in a testing third round caused by winds gusting up to 30mph.
Only five of the 57-man field managed to finish under par, Kaufman carding the best round of the day with a three-under 69.
But the course was described as "brutal" by another American, Kevin Kisner, who shot a 76.
"Every shot is just guessing and hitting and praying. I never felt comfortable even on wedge shots all day and putts are just brutal," he said.
"I watched [playing partner] Justin Thomas hit a four-footer that went 55 feet. I mean you don't see that stuff. It's not supposed to happen."
Asked what he could learn from the experience, he joked: "Yeah, you go home and have a beer and sit on the couch and laugh at everybody else."
Round 2 report
-4 J Spieth; -3 R McIlroy (NI); -2 D Lee (NZ), S Piercy; -1 B Snedeker, S Kjeldsen (Den), H Matsuyama (Jpn)
Selected others: Level D Willett (Eng), S Garcia (Spa), S Lowry (Ire), B DeChambeau, D Johnson; +1 J Day (Aus), B Langer (Ger), C Wood (Eng); +2 L Westwood (Eng), P Casey (Eng), J Rose (Eng), J Donaldson (Wal)
Rory McIlroy closed the gap on leader Jordan Spieth to one shot as he revived his Masters bid at Augusta National.
McIlroy, aiming to complete a clean sweep of four majors, sunk three birdies in the final six holes to move to three under par after two rounds.
The Northern Irishman, 26, carded a one-under 71 before defending champion Spieth posted a two-over 74.
At one stage before his late rally, McIlroy trailed American Spieth, 22, by eight shots.
But the turnaround, facilitated by Spieth dropping four shots, tightened a leaderboard which he had threatened to dominate.
Spieth and McIlroy go into the weekend as the final pairing after American amateur Bryson DeChambeau blew his chance of separating them on the 18th.
DeChambeau, 22, whipped two tee shots way left, eventually finding a suitable dropping position after long discussions with Augusta officials before holing for a triple-bogey seven.
New Zealand's Danny Lee and American Scott Piercy are the nearest challengers to Spieth and McIlroy on two under.
Brandt Snedeker, Soren Kjeldsen and Hideki Matsuyama are one under, with England's Danny Willett, Ireland's Shane Lowry and Spaniard Sergio Garcia among those on level par.
With swirling winds continuing to challenge the players, McIlroy was one of only four players in the 89-man field to shoot a below-par round.
Four-time major winner McIlroy said his gutsy fightback was "up there" with the best rounds of his career.
"I kept my composure and I played the shots when I needed to," he said.
McIlroy leading the charge
McIlroy failed to capitalise on birdies on the second and third, compounding a double bogey on the next with further dropped shots on the fifth and 11th.
But the world number three, aiming to become the sixth man to claim the career Grand Slam, reignited his challenge with a birdie on the par-five 13th.
Further birdies followed on 15 and 16 before he saved his par on the last with a six-foot putt - greeted with a fist-pump - after a wayward drive right into the trees.
"It's only the second day; there's still two days to go," McIlroy said.
"But it's a great round and it's nice to be up there near the lead going into the weekend, instead of on the cut line and having to battle back from where I found myself the last couple years.
"I'm happy with where I'm at."
Spieth's stutter offers hope
Despite the difficult conditions in Georgia, few would have predicted Spieth's demise after he levered himself into such a position of strength.
An opening birdie was followed by another on the third, moving him five shots clear of the chasing pack after he began the day with a two-stroke lead.
But his normally immaculate putting failed him at the fifth, a four-putt leading to a double bogey and ending his record as the only player yet to drop a shot.
A birdie at the par-five eighth offered false hope to the Texan, who bogeyed the ninth and 10th before becoming annoyed at being timed for slow play as he waited for the wind to die down on his approach to the 11th.
Spieth carded his first over-par round in 10 career rounds at the Masters
It was a rare example of two-time major winner Spieth losing composure and, although he birdied the 15th, dropped shots on the 16th and 17th brought McIlroy within one.
Only Spieth's plucky save for par from a bunker on the last prevented his rival from starting the weekend level.
"I thought even par was a good score today," said Spieth, who has now led the Masters for six successive rounds - matching Arnold Palmer's feat in the early 1960s.
"It was a couple of strokes higher than I was looking for. It was a bit disappointing but it is pretty much a new tournament coming our way over the weekend.
"It was a grind on each hole. Emotionally it gets you going a little. The person who walks the tallest will win next over the next couple of days."
Mixed fortunes for previous Green Jacket winners
Phil Mickelson shot a 79 - his worst round at Augusta - to finish seven over and miss the cut by one stroke for only the third time in 24 starts
2013 champion Adam Scott, one of the pre-tournament favourites after back-to-back titles in March, shot three birdies on the back nine to finish four over
Two-time champion Bubba Watson sneaked in just above the cut on six over
But 2007 winner and current Open champion Zach Johnson missed the cut by two shots - after being given a two-shot penalty when his club touched the water in Rae's Creek on the par-five 13th
Tom Watson, the Green Jacket winner in 1977 and 1981, waved an emotional farewell to Augusta with a 78 to finish eight over
Wales' Ian Woosnam, playing on the 25th anniversary of his Masters victory, also missed the cut and revealed that this will be his final Augusta visit because of a persistent back injury
World number five Rickie Fowler - yet to win a major - missed the cut on nine over
'Everyone looked at me like I didn't have pants on'
Former world number one Ernie Els was the talk of Augusta on Thursday after carding the worst first hole in Masters history - and the four-time major winner said he still felt ashamed before his second round.
After a double bogey on the first - the scene of his quintuple nine - the South African recovered to shoot a one-over 73 on Friday.
"After what I did you feel quite embarrassed and I couldn't get myself going," Els said.
"It was a very weird, surreal feeling this morning. It was like I walked on to the range and even the players and caddies, they kind of just looked at me as if I didn't have pants on or something. It wasn't a nice feeling."
Round 1 Report
-6 J Spieth; -4 S Lowry (Ire), D Lee (NZ)
Selected others:-3 P Casey (Eng), J Rose (Eng), S Garcia (Spa), I Poulter (Eng); -2 D Willett (Eng), R McIlroy (NI); -1 L Westwood (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng); level J Day (Aus), G McDowell (NI), P Mickelson, H Stenson (Swe), B Langer (Ger)
Reigning Masters champion Jordan Spieth holds a two-shot lead going into Friday's second round after carding a six-under-par 66 at Augusta National.
With Rory McIlroy slipping back late to two under, Spieth made his move early with three birdies on the front nine.
The 22-year-old American added three more on the back nine as he went through his round without a bogey.
Ireland's Shane Lowry is four under, while England's Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose are three under.
"I put it up there with one of the best rounds I've played," said world number two Spieth.
"I got a lot out of the round with what I felt like was kind of average-ish ball striking."
Spieth on the charge
After a stellar 2015, Spieth came to Augusta in less certain form.
But his remarkable record on this course - runner-up to Bubba Watson on his debut in 2014, champion in a record-equalling score a year ago having made a first-round 64 - continued as greens softened by overnight rain did only a little to compensate for a tricky blustery wind.
A birdie on the 10th was followed by crucial par saves from the trees on the 11th and over the green on the 12th, before a two-putt on the 13th for birdie.
Spieth, who is looking to become just the fourth player after Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods to retain the Masters title, kissed his putter after holing from 15 feet for par on the 16th.
And he finished with a birdie from five feet to reach a cumulative 29 under par for his nine competitive rounds at Augusta.
"I think the round may have been better than the first round last year because of the conditions - I would have signed for two under today and not even played the round, knowing the conditions that were coming up," said the Texan.
Casey said of his playing partner: "That was a flawless round. I played a wonderful round, but it was great to have a front-row seat to watch that."
World number one Jason Day had moved to within a shot of Spieth on the 14th but then three-putted the 15th before driving into the water on 16.
That resulted in a double bogey and a four-shot swing across the two holes, and an errant tee shot on the next led to another dropped shot as he closed on even par.
Lowry impresses as McIlroy finishes poorly
Lowry, 29, had four birdies across the first five holes and held on across a solid back nine to join New Zealand's Danny Lee on four under.
"I'm sure I'm going to be sitting back tonight thinking at some stage about wearing a Green Jacket. I'm only human," he said.
"But I've just got to kind of give myself a slap in the face and get myself back into reality and try to get down to business and keep hitting good shots and see where that leaves me at the end of the week."
After a contrastingly inconsistent start, McIlroy began his own charge with an eagle on the 13th, a magnificent approach followed by a 10-foot putt.
A birdie attempt on the next missed by a whisker, but he sank a 12-foot putt up the slope on 15 to go to four under, only to miss a short one on 16 to drop back.
He then put a short approach on the 18th into the bunker, splashed his shot from the sand 20 feet past the flag and left the par putt short to end the day in 10th.
"If someone had given me 70 on the first tee I probably would have taken it," said McIlroy. "It's a little disappointing with the way I finished, but anything under par was a good score."
English trio in contention
Casey, who finished joint sixth last year after failing to qualify for the previous two Masters, had moved within a shot of the lead with a birdie of his own on the 16th before dropping back with a bogey on the par-four 17th.
The 38-year-old was joined at three under by first Rose, in a round that combined six birdies with three bogies, and later an upbeat Poulter.
Rose, joint second a year ago, was utilising a new putting grip, switching to a 'claw' for the first time.
Rose 'really pleased' with strong start
"I stumbled across it last week and it just felt too good to deny," said the 35-year-old.
"I have putted OK this year but I feel if I am going to win the Masters I am going to have to putt great - it was a gamble but I felt it was one worth taking."
Poulter, 40, dropped shots on 10 and 11 but battled back with birdies on the 13th, 14th and 16th.
He said: "That was tricky out there - the wind was swirling around the front nine, but I played lovely."
Hell for Els
Four bogeys and a double bogey on the back nine left two-time champion Watson with a three-over 75, but it was South African Ernie Els who was the talk of the course after a horrific putting display on the first green.
The four-time major winner, who has twice finished second at the Masters, reached the green in three but then six-putted from within three feet.
It was the worst ever first-hole score at the tournament, and left the 46-year-old five over as he trudged to the second tee.
Rickie Fowler was another big name to endure a poor start as a double bogey on the first and an eight on 13 contributed to an eight-over-par 80.
"Golf's tough. It's a fine line, especially at this place," the American said.
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