Northampton have virtually assured themselves of home advantage for the
play-offs with a hard-fought victory over Saracens at Franklins Gardens.
The Londoners were Saints' main rivals to clinch fourth place in the Zurich
Premiership table, but now Newcastle, who play on Sunday, are the only side that
catch them - but the Falcons would have to secure maximum points from their
remaining three games for that to happen.
Northampton were made to work for their win this afternoon in what was an
error-strewn encounter, but Matt Dawson's men picked up the pace in the second
half, forcing the visitors to fight a rear-guard action.
The Saints' centre pairing of Allan Bateman and John Leslie enjoyed a fine
game and both players touched down for first-half tries.
Dawson added a try after the break and kicked 10 points, giving a good account
of himself in the second period, while Saracens outside-half Duncan McRae
claimed all of his side's points.
The visitors were given an early opportunity to open the scoring, but McRae
pushed a kickable penalty wide of the left post. However, he made amends moments
later when he slotted over a sweetly-struck drop goal.
Saracens dominated the opening exchanges and should have gone further ahead in
the fifth minute, only for winger Richard Haughtan to spill the ball when his
side had a clear overlap.
But Saints fought their way back into what was becoming a scrappy affair and
could have levelled matters, but England scrum-half Dawson was off-target with a
long-range penalty.
Northampton were not to be denied in the 25th minute, though, when Leslie
intercepted a telegraphed Saracens pass and sprinted over half the pitch for an
opportunist try.
Dawson added the conversion, but failed with an easy three-pointer from in
front of the posts shortly after.
Saracens then took the lead against the run of play when Saints full-back Nick
Beal spilled a Haughtan chip into the path of McRae who gathered up and dived
over in the corner.
But Northampton struck back and several phases of possession were brought to a
conclusion when Wales international Bateman touched down for a fine team try.
Saracens then rounded-off the first half scoring with a Mcrae penalty.
The second half began in unspectacular fashion as both teams struggled to
stamp their authority on the game.
Saints did manage to secure some quality possession in the 45th minute as they
battered away at the visitors' defence, but failed to make any clear inroads
into the Londoners' territory.
Northampton were reduced to 10 men when South African prop Garry Pagel was
sent to the sin-bin for appearing to throw a punch. McRae kicked the ensuing
penalty to give his side a 14-12 lead.
The home side laid siege to Saracens' line in the 56th minute, but just as
Saints looked capable of breaking down their opponents defence, a large brawl
erupted.
Several players were involved, but it was Northampton who were awarded the
penalty which Dawson converted.
Dawson further extended his side's lead with a quickly taken tap-penalty which
saw him crash through several Saracens tacklers.
Substitute Paul Grayson nudged over the conversion and then added a
three-pointer moments later - the last score of a hard-fought match.
Man of the match: John Leslie
Teams:
Northampton: Beal, Martin, Bateman, Leslie, Cohen, Hepher,
Dawson, Pagel, Richmond, Stewart, Brouzet, Phillips, Rodber, Blowers, Soden.
Replacements: Grayson for Hepher (53),
Thompson for Richmond (53), Seely for Soden (72).
Not Used: Todd, Hunter, Bramhall, Tucker.
Sin Bin: Pagel (50).
Saracens: Sparg, Haughton, Sorrell, Horan, Arasa, McRae,
Bracken, Flatman, Parkes, White, Davison, Murray, Chesney, Hill, Diprose.
Replacements: Russell for Parkes (47), Roche for Davison (52),
Roques for Hill (72), Cole for Diprose (72).
Not Used: Harbut, Hampson, Walshe.
Att: 9,424
Ref: Tappe Henning (South Africa).
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