Abendanon aims for Bath flourish ahead of Clermont move

Bath's Nick Abendanon is aiming to bow out of his final season withBath by landing a domestic and European double before joining French clubClermont.South-west side Bath welcome Northampton to the Recreation Ground on Friday fora Premiership match that will act as a warm-up for the two English teams' EuropeanChallenge Cup final in Cardiff later this month.Victory over second-placed Northampton would strengthen Bath's grip on a top-fourplay-off place ahead of their final regular season Premiership match againstHarlequins next week."No matter what happens, I can certainly say that I have had a great time at Bathand have really enjoyed my time here," former England full-back Abendanon saidThursday."So there is no need for me to try and end on a high, but having said that I wouldlove nothing more than to end with silverware," added the 27-year-old, who won both his two England caps in 2007."This is such a great club and it is well set up to have success, and everyone at theclub is determined to get Bath back to the top."We have the Amlin Challenge Cup final to look forward to, and now we have tomake sure we get into the top four (of the Premiership)."Abendanon said the future for Bath was bright given the form this season of risingstars such as fly-half George Ford and full-back/wing Anthony Watson. "George Ford is the best fly-half at his age that I have ever seen. He is a 35-year-oldin an 18-year-old's body," Abendanon said."Anthony Watson has been great for us. He is fast and direct and is a real asset tohave at the back. "Credit to the coaches as they have dealt with them really well and I am excited tosee what they can both do in the future."Bath captain Stuart Hooper will make his 200th Premiership appearance whenNorthampton arrive at the Recreation Ground.But Wales wing George North misses out for Northampton due to injury, with Saintsboss Jim Mallinder making five changes from the side that beat Harlequins in theChallenge Cup semi-final last Friday. Ben Foden, Ken Pisi and Luther Burrell all return together with lock Courtney Lawesand flanker Tom Wood, who captains the team.Victory for Northampton would secure a home Premiership play-off later this month,while a bonus point win for Bath would guarantee a last-four place. Source: AFP