Powergen Cup finalists Northampton held off a spirited second half fight-back
from Leeds to post five crucial points in their bid for a European Cup place.
Northampton opened up a 27-0 lead after 50 minutes but were rocked by two Dan
Scarbrough tries midway through the second half.
However, a late score from John Leslie secured the win for the Saints and
brought with it the vital bonus point.
Newcastle were beaten at Franklins Gardens in the Cup semi-final by a rampant
first-half display and first-half tries from Dan Richmond, Peter Jorgensen and
Nick Beal, all of which were converted by Paul Grayson, gave them another
healthy lead.
But Leeds, on the back of two successive wins, responded through full-back
Scarbrough, who was this week named in the England A squad to play Wales.
He ran in tries for the Tykes in the 53rd and 63rd minutes, both of which were
converted by Braam Van Straaten, as the visitors showed the resolve that has
lifted them off the bottom of the Zurich Premiership.
But the Saints advantage was too great for Phil Davies' side to haul in and
Grayson, who also landed two penalties, converted Leslie's late try to put the
issue beyond doubt.
Teams:
Northampton: Beal, Moir, Jorgensen, Leslie, Cohen, Grayson,
Dawson, Smith, Richmond, Morris, Ackermann, Brouzet, Blowers,
Pountney, Seely.
Replacements: Tucker for Moir (68), Thompson for Richmond (74),
Budgen for Morris (73), Soden for Blowers (56).
Not Used: Phillips, Vass, Brooks.
Tries: Richmond, Jorgensen, Beal, Leslie.
Cons: Grayson 4.
Pens: Grayson 2.
Leeds: Scarborough, Hall, Woof, Mulder,
Emmerson, van Straaten,
Benton, Shelley, Rawlinson, Kerr, C. Murphy, Palmer, Mather,
Ponton, Fea'unati.
Replacements: Bachop for Hall (47), Benson for Woof (46),
O'Reilly for Benton (77), Holt for Rawlinson (46),
P. Murphy for C. Murphy (48).
Not Used: Wring, Hogg.
Sin Bin: Mulder (22).
Tries: Scarborough 2.
Cons: van Straaten 2.
Att: 8,366
Ref: Steve Lander (RFU).
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