Bristol Shoguns plunged further into the Zurich Premiership relegation danger
zone after a rejuvenated Northampton inflicted a convincing defeat on
them at Franklin's Gardens.
The West Country side stay 11th in the league table after their 11th defeat of
the season - and now have just three games to get out of jail.
Northampton meanwhile picked themselves up from their Powergen and Heineken
Cup defeats to keep the Premiership play-offs within their grasp with a bonus
point victory.
But it took Wayne Smith's side until the second half to pull away from the
relegation strugglers.
Bristol led 13-7 at the break - with the Saints only managing one opportunist
try by winger Oriol Ripol.
Skipper Garath Archer broke Bristol's duck with a 23rd-minute try after he
picked up from the back of a ruck to score. Aussie Shane Drahm converted before
adding two penalties.
But Northampton clearly received a grilling at half-time as they blasted into
action after the restart with centre Mark Tucker touching down after just six
minutes. Former All Black Bruce Reihana converted.
The loss of Bristol captain Archer did not help matters either and the
Shoguns' grip on the game began to slide when Reihana added a penalty and his
own converted try.
Minutes later Jon Sleightholme clocked up the fourth try which again Reihana
converted.
To add insult to injury flanker Darren Fox touched down for two late tries to
ensure a resounding victory for the Saints.
Teams
Northampton: Reihana, Sleightholme, Tucker, Leslie, Ripol,
Brooks, Vass, Smith, Richmond, Morris, Phillips, Williams, Fox,
Pountney, Blowers.
Replacements: Thompson, Stewart, Hunter, Seely, Dawson, Jorgensen,
Cohen.
Tries: Ripol, Tucker, Reihana, Sleightholme,
Fox 2.
Cons: Reihana 5.
Pens: Reihana.
Bristol: Best, Daniel, Higgins, Gibson, Christophers, Drahm,
Pichot, Sheridan, Nelson, Skuse, Archer, A. Brown, Salter,
Lipman, Oakley.
Replacements: Johnstone, Rowland, S. Morgan, Short, Richards,
Williams, Carrington.
Tries: Archer.
Cons: Drahm.
Pens: Drahm 2.
Att: 8,805
Ref: Dave Pearson (England).
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