Northampton clinical in statement win over Saracens

Northampton Saints showed why they are top of the Gallagher Premiership table, producing a special performance to beat champions Saracens 41-30.

Phil Dowson’s men bounced back in brilliant style from their defeat at Bristol Bears, scoring five tries in a sensational showing at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

The Saints flew into a 17-0 lead thanks to early scores from Alex Coles and James Ramm before Saracens threatened a fightback, cutting the gap to seven points at the break after Theo McFarland got them on the board.

However, Northampton turned on the style in the second period as Ramm, Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme all scored to put the game beyond Saracens despite Ben Earl’s try.

The away side did manage to leave with a point as two late scores from Alex Lewington gave them four tries on the night.

But the game belonged to Northampton, who extended their lead at the top of the Premiership in fine style.

Saints came racing out of the blocks as they piled the pressure on Saracens, eventually going ahead when Fin Smith released Coles for an early score.

Smith converted, and he was doing so again soon after as the Saints added a second score, with Sleightholme’s stunning run eventually leading to a try for Ramm.

Northampton were calling the tune, even at the scrum, winning a penalty, which Smith slotted from in front of the posts.

But Saracens hit the Saints with a sucker punch when Tom James saw an attempted clearance charged down, allowing McFarland to gather and score.

Owen Farrell converted and soon added a penalty as Northampton saw their lead reduced to seven points in the blink of an eye.

The away side looked certain to score two minutes before the break but Nick Tompkins knocked on following a huge defensive set from Saints.

The gap remained seven points at the break, but it was down to four early in the second period as Farrell slotted a penalty.

But the Saints came storming back and after a quick tap penalty from James caused real panic, Saracens were opened up as Ramm cruised over for his second try of the night.

Smith converted, but Northampton again shot themselves in the foot as Ramm tried to clear inside his own 22 and Earl charged the kick down before gathering to score.

Farrell converted and the gap was just six points, but Saracens lost Lewington to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on.

Northampton took immediate advantage, producing a flowing move that was finished by Freeman before Sleightholme touched down under the posts to make the game safe.

Smith was sin-binned before Saracens ensured they would leave with something to show for their efforts, Lewington grabbing two tries in the final two minutes to earn his side a losing bonus point.