Northampton clinched a Zurich Championship semi-final spot through a
convincing victory over Saracens at Franklins Gardens.
The Londoners took an early lead through Darragh O'Mahony and Kyran Bracken
tries but then faded as Saints took full control.
England scrum-half Matt Dawson lead the Northampton charge with a brace of
tries while flanker Tim Rodber, playing his last game at Franklins Gardens, also
touched down.
Saints made a blistering start and in the third minute they touched down
through O'Mahony, who dived over in the left corner following some strong
running from Australian centre Tim Horan.
Saints fought back and swept deep into the visitors half but despite being
camped just short of the line for several minutes, they could not unlock their
opponents defence.
Saints were made to pay for their lack of penetration in the 15th minute when
Bracken gathered from the back of the ruck and dived over for a try converted by
Jannie De Beer.
But just as Saracens looked to be assuming full control, Northampton pulled a
try back when winger Martin scooped up a loose ball before crossing the line.
Paul Grayson added the conversion and in the 29th minute the home side took
the lead for the first time.
Number eight Rodber despatched a superbly delayed pass to Dawson who
jinked inside before scampering over. Grayson slotted the conversion.
And Dawson made it two tries in three minutes when he capitalised on some poor
defending to sprint in under the post. Predictably Grayson converted.
It took just three minutes of the second half for Northampton to increase their
lead, with Rodber breaching the visitors' defence.
The try seemed to spur Saracens on as they launched a series of attacks which
put Saints onto the back foot.
But despite several promising breaks they were unable to make the final pass
with the home defence holding firm.
The visitors' misery was compounded when Cohen rounded off a fine team try
before hooker Steve Thompson added another in the 60th minute.
Andrew Blowers and O'Mahony swapped tries before Northampton made a host of
changes which stopped their momentum, although by this time they had already
done more than enough to finish the afternoon on a winning note.
Northampton:
Tries: Martin, Dawson 2, Rodber, Cohen, Thompson,
Blowers.
Cons: Grayson 5.
Team: Beal, Martin, Bateman, Leslie, Cohen, Grayson,
Dawson, Todd, Thompson, Stewart, Newman, Brouzet, Rodber, Blowers, Soden.
Replacements: Tucker for Cohen (65), Hepher for Grayson (74),
Bramhall for Dawson (61), Richmond for Thompson (74),
Sturgess for Stewart (74), Phillips for Newman (56), Seely for Soden (69).
Saracens:
Tries: O'Mahony 2, Bracken.
Cons: De Beer.
Team: Sparg, O'Mahony, Horan,
Johnson, Luger, De Beer,
Bracken, Harbut, Russell, Flatman, Davison, Murray, Hill, Roques, Diprose.
Replacements: Arasa for Sparg (74), Shanklin for De Beer (49),
Walshe for Bracken (74), Cairns for Russell (57),
Phillips for Flatman (57), Cole for Murray (43), Roche for Diprose (43).
Att: 8,500
Ref: Chris White (RFU).
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