Saints Beat Mighty Quins

Fireworks banged as the Saints and Quins ran out to a packed stadium at the Home of rugby, Twickenham for the away fixture. Although being away, Saints took the victory with the score of 25 - 30. 

Saints lost the first scrum which soon quickly escalated into a Quins try. George Lowe tumbles over the line. However, the young fly-half, at just the age of 20, could not convert. Quins took an early lead, 5 - 0. The referee Wayne Barnes spotted blocking by Quins and consequently gave Saints a penalty - Myler's decision to kick at goal gave them their first points onto the board. The score became 5 - 3. 

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Mike Brown suddenly makes a breakthrough by dodging Mylers and Fodens miss tackles. Saints' defence was weak and tackles were not on point, they needed to change this otherwise danger would come soon. Newly back from injury, George Pisi, was looking impressive, from both attacking and defencive points of view. 

Within 19 minutes gone on the clock, Saints pushed and hived to create a rolling maul. Manoa grabs the ball and stumbles over the line through a little gap created by the Harlequins defence. Myler converted as the England coach, Stuart Lancaster, looked on. 

North being penalised twice now for not rolling away, he was giving too many opportunities for Quins. Despite this, it was a very equal game, Saints showing a small edge with their attack, their defence needing to be stronger to secure the win. 

Half way through the first half, Quins have a lineout just over 10 metres out of their try line. They complete it successfully and create a rolling maul, this is dangerous for Saints. Luckily, the referee spots an infringement, Saints have the penalty and must utilise the situation. 

A fumble of the ball lets Quins player, Marland Yarde, to catch the ball and run fast. With Saints trying to defend, a yellow card was given to Saints number 3, Ma'afu for a high tackle with no attempt to wrap - given him 10 minutes in the sin bin. Saints have recently let their discipline slip and to move forward they need to tighten up in certain areas. 

With just 2 minutes left on the clock, the away sides defence was finally looking stronger, this forced Quins into an error, giving Saints the opportunity to kick over for a penalty. Stephen Myler simply kicked the penalty over to gain an extra 3 points. 

The half time score was 8 - 13 to Saints.

Quins kick off the second half, it was not the most perfect start to the half considering Saints gave away a penalty, just 30 seconds in. Luckily, Swiel misses, the game continues. Saints responded to their debatable start, North storms over the line for a try, initially Samu Manoa charges down a box kick and with barely any defence, he offloads to North who had no trouble going over the line. Myler converts, showing what potential he has - definitely displaying why he should be picked for the England squad. Ma'afu comes back on after his yellow card. 

With Quins having the ball, they can not make sufficient territory, Ken Pisi intercepts and sprints for line: Mike Brown tackles him by grabbing just his foot, simply enough to force Pisi into a knock on. Thereupon, a scrum to Quins. Stephenson comes on for Saints whilst George Pisi leaves the field after an incredible game played by him. 

With not rolling away in a tackle, it gives the chance for Swiel to kick over the post for a penalty. He completes, bringing the score to 11 - 20, still in Saints' favour. One minute later, Myler has his own befalling at the goal. He also adds 3 points to the board. In the 55th minute, fan favourite, Alex Corbisero comes on after a long spell out from injury. He takes the place of Alex Waller. KahnFortuali'i also comes on for Lee Dickson at scrum half.

Mikey Haywood runs towards the line, unfortunately he spills the ball and a Quin picked it up. This is the start of a try for Quins, Jack Clifford was the man who went over. The Saints defencive wall was incredible at the point, with Clifford only finding a small gap to wiggle through. (18 - 23)

Saints make more replacements in which Ma'afu and Clark come off the field, Dowson and Denman come on. Having fresh legs on the pitch, helped Saints push a rolling maul and subsequently making an advantage for them. Saints keep getting advantages until they were right up towards the line, where the ball was held up! Corbisero came crashing over the line but a knock on was seen by the TMO. Quins had the ball but were in danger of the Saints defence. 

Kahn Fortuali'i gathers the ball and scores a try! However, on landing over the line, he hurts his shoulder, forcing the replacement off the field. This puts Wilson onto the pitch and Foden at scrum half, Myler converts and the Saints extend their lead to 18 - 30. 

As the rain hits Twickenham, the game starts to come to an end. Yarde dashes towards the line for a last minute try but powerhouse George North stops him in his tracks. However, not even this could stop Quins, Sam Towmey spots a gap and goes through it. The final score was 25 - 30, meaning Quins will get the losing bonus point. 

This was by far not the best rugby Saints have played but it was not the worst either. Saints are back at home next week against lower team Newcastle, fans are hoping for the bonus point try early on and domination throughout. 

My Man of the Match: George Pisi (Although coming off early, his attacking and defending throughout his time on the pitch was incredible.)

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Review: Saints V Chiefs: Saints Lose Under the Friday Night Lights

 Saints lose to Exeter Chiefs for second time in a row to them. A frustrating way to end Saints proud winning record in the premiership. 

Friday night ended the impressive home winning streak since March 2014 where they played Leicester Tigers at home. 

Saints simply lost the game due to kicking possession away too easily and handing the win to the Chiefs. 

The first half was a rugby version of Table Tennis, kicking back and forth. Saints did not realise that to win - they needed to believe in their pace and run into the Chiefs mediocre defencive wall. However, Chiefs scoring in the first two minutes, crushed Saints' confidence to power through. 

An easy try by Cowan-Dickie put Chiefs ahead before Myler put over two penalties which narrowed the gap to just a point. Tom Waldrom went over twice while Gareth Steenson took his tally to six points which led the Chiefs to 21 -6 at half time. 

Saints were physcologically destroyed by Chiefs which did not help the referee missed vital decisions, including blocking. Exeter had a try disallowed but from the resulting five-meter scrum, Waldrom powered over for his second try and Steensonn's third successful kick from three gave Chiefs a fifteen-point advantage at the lead. 

Steenspn scored the first points of the second half with a penalty before James Wilson's inside offload set free, fast Stephenson to go over and give Saints fans hope. 

Elliott finally wriggled over in the left corner after great work from Stephenson while at the end Steenson missed a vital drop goal. 

 Although, Saints did hit back with scores by Stephenson and Elliott but the Chiefs hung on for their thrilling win.

Friday night was certainly a night to forget but onwards and upwards to next weeks game: Saracens away. 

Match Review: Saints v Scarlets Away

Lee Dickson and Calum Clark both score tries to help Saints in their 24 - 7 LV= Cup victory away at Scarlets this Friday. 

Howard Packman had put the Saints side to an early lead. However, Scarlets player Steffan Evans responded to level the score up at the break. 

After half time, Dickson and Clark slid over the line to grab two quickfire tries for Saints to secure the win, alongside, accurate kicking by young Will Hooley. 

Although, the scoreline shows perfection, Saints were hit with an injury by Jon Fisher only two minutes in. It was the only negative point due to a fast and incredible break through from Tom Stephenson let Packman have the chance to score. Hooley made the conversion from an awkward right angle but minutes later, he could not replicate a similar kick to miss a penalty. The Saints side were in the lead 7 - 0. 

Scarlets did not waste anytime by scoring their own try and conversion to bring it to 7 - 7. An easy try given away by a James Wilson miss kick in which Saints could not recover from. 

A scrum penalty gave the chance for Saints to go ahead. However, once again, Hooley unusually misses, keeping the score at 7 - 7.

Saints were about to have a scare with Scarlets scoring a try. Luckily, a well spotted infringement by the ref, in which the Scarlets flanker deliberate pullback who called a disallowed try. 

Scarlets were upping their game with every touch of the ball, despite, like Hooley, a simple penalty was missed by the Scarlets fly-half. 

Phil Dowson pushed hard and surprisingly, for a forward, broke through the scarlets defencive wall. Seconds later Saints were given a penalty and Hooley slotted the ball cleanly. 

Finally, Saints started to play the way we all know they could. With Alex Waller and Salesi Ma'afu on, the line up started to look like a premiership side. Dickson wiggled through and darted over the line to score. Hooley's well-struck conversion gave Saints a 10 point difference to the homeside. 

Another five points was soon to follow by another England international, Calum Clark. Hooley was starting to look more on form and finished the Saints game off with a precise kick to make it 24 - 7. 

On the contrary, Scarlets looked likely to a last minute try and conversion but it was too late and Packman pushed him out of play to end the game. 

Saints had won in Round 2 of the LV= Cup - next week Saints are back to playing in the premiership and are playing Exeter Chiefs on Friday Night. 

Man of the Match: Will Hooley 

My Man of the Match: Howard Packman

Young Saints triumph

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Saints took an easy win over Newcastle Falcons, 37 - 23, in the first round of the LV cup. Saints feel lucky to have won this game because 14 out of the 15 who started last week, were absent.

Tom Collins kick - started the 80 minutes off with an eye-catching try from the youngster. However, Tom Catterick, a Falcons player alsp grabbed his own try not long after. 

The next try came from a big shove of the pack which let Teimana Harrison dash over the line, Haywood finished off the half with a dart across the line to score Saints third try of the day. 

The 4th try came from Tom Collins once again, this ensured Saints the important bonus point try. A fast pace and a sidestep from Collins helped him dot over the line. 

It was not all plain sailing for Saints as Falcons player, Juan Pablo Socino scores their final try to put pressure onto the Saints defence. Nethertheless, Howard Packman had the final say but producing the famous Swallow dive to fly over the line to ensure Saints in winning the vital game. 

Will Hooley put 12 points onto the score board with his boot, it was a comfortable victory for the very young and youthful Saints side. 

Newcastle begun strong in their campaign to stop Saints from winning. The Falcons swung towards their tryline many times with impressive offloads and structure. The game in the first few minutes were not going Saints' ways as they were losing 7 - 0 just after five minutes! But Saints, thankfully, responded quickly and Collins dashed over the line for the first time. Hooley added his own points to the board with a far and accurate penalty before Falcons, Clegg placed a penalty over the posts. 

Saints pushed hard to go back in front but Packman was soon tackled out of play - the ref pulled back for an earlier penalty and Hooley slotted an important penalty right infront of the posts. 

Newcastle, not soon after, had a perfect opportunity to score a try but Scott MacLeod failed to offload and former Falcon Joel Hodgson, making his Saints debut, made the try saving tackle. 

Unfortunatly, the Falcons did register some points soon after. Saints were searching for another break through and Collins was making good breaks, However, Alesana Tuilagi's arm took Collins out illegally and was swiftly sent to the sin bin, for a well earnt 10 minutes off thepitch.

With Tuilagi missing, Saints pushed and heived over the line for Teimana to score over the line. Hooley made it 17 - 13 to the homeside. This was not the only try they scored whilst Tuilagi was in the sin bin. A intelligent and selfless pass by Day, saw Haywood over the line too. The Saints men led a confortable, 22 - 13 lead. 

Falcons were not going to give up yet. They added pressure as Socino, who walked through the Saints defence to score. Clegg's conversion meant they were only 6 points away from Saints with 6 minutes to go. 

Saints put a stop to this. Hooley's boot placed a penatly over the post and Packman flew over the line to ensure Falcons would not catch them. Seconds ticked down and as the ball went over for the conversion the clock ticked to 0. 

The Saints youngsters started their campaign with a bang. 

Man of the Match: Ethan Waller

My Man of the Match: Tom Collins

Saints v Ospreys review: North went for the Fourth

George North stole the show in scoring all four tries for Saints in the 34-6 victory against Ospreys. 

Saints started their campaign for the Champions cup in a negative way after losing against Racing Metro last week. However, this week proved a different story. Although, worrying signs for Saints players, James Wilson and Luther Burrell after being forced off with injuries, did not stop them to claim the win. Wilson departed the field just after nine minutes which captapulted George North into the centre, where it gave him the opportunity to score the four tries. 

Saints lead the half, 20 - 3 (2 tries, 2 conversions (Saints) and 1 penalty (Ospreys.)) Another solo performance by George North secured the victory - alongside Stephen Myler's kicking accuracy of 100% in the game. 

The Saints' win was all down to shear power of their pack, Courtney Lawes, like normal having a fine all - round game and number 8, Samu Manoa putting his muscle power to good effect but it was the devastating finishing power of the 6ft plus, 17 stone North that put Ospreys in disrepair. 

Not only was North powering through Ospreys defence but the win was also helped by backs such as Ken Pisi and Ben Foden. However, two poor passes by Foden contributed to the two disallowed tries in the first half. 

There was an exchange of accurate penalties before Saints sprung into life. With Myler passing a long - loopy pass to North to charge over the line - for their first try of many. The second try came when a beautiful pass from Pisi met North's hands to dodge two Ospreys defenders to put the ball gracefully over the try line. Myler converted both tries - the Saints confidence boost came from Biggar, the normally on-point Ospreys kicker missed 3 times out of 4 and denied them any hope of coming close to the Saints scoreline.

North's ability saw him take two defenders over the line to complete his third but not final try of the night. Followed by Myler's conversion - time was running out quickly for Saints to claim the important bonus point but North, strong as ever, ripped the ball from an opponents hands on the halfway line. A little chip over the heads of the Ospreys defence let him storm pass, to score a stunning try and earn Northampton Saints the well deserved five-points. 

Saints fall short at Paris

Saints lose to Racing Metro 92, 20-11, in the new European Champions Cup.

Conditions were hot and humid by the time Saints set out onto the pitch in Paris, for the late kick off time against Racing Metro 92.

A quick try in the first 4 minutes showed dominance by Racing. This was then converted by the Irish fly-half, Jonny Sexton. 

Possession was very equal from both sides for a considerable amount of time. However, Racing looked more dangerous as they added more pressure onto the Saints defence. With possession being equal but also the errors: Saints lost simple linesouts which, for them, is unusual. 

Penalties by both fly-halves finished the first 40 minutes with Saints trailing 10-3. 

A massive push was needed by Saints to insure the win in the first round of the European Champions Cup. 

A continued theme of penalties started off the half. On the contrary, Saints were looking likely for the win. A try by Phil Dowson gave them a glimmer of hope, although, an unusual miss by Myler took them to 11-13. All Saints needed to do was keep their defencive wall strong and score a try. 

All seemed well. Saints had possession with seconds left on the clock, Ben Foden kicked the ball, hoping it would go deep into Racings 22, however a man charged down by Racing Metro player, Andreau. This gave him the open chance to score a try. With 80 minutes left on the clock, the game was over and there was a loss for Saints. 

Although, Racing had two yellow cards, Saints couldn't quite push to the victory. In my opinion, the ref did not make it easy  - some decisions were made which went against Saints to cost them the win.

My Saintsman of the Match: Luther Burrell 

Saints v Sale Review: Sharks lack Bite

Saints Star-man Samu Manoa scores a hat trick to secure premiership leaders Saints, to a easy win. 
It was an emotionally-charged day, with Saints formally remembering the life of Saints fan, Luis Ghaut - with only 4 months previously, leading out the side in their Premiership final win back in May.

Saints were rarely troubled by Sale and were three tries ahead going into the break (Ken Pisi, Samu Manoa and George Pisi) and then followed the second half with another three tries (Manoa (2) and Kahn Fotuali'i.) 

Sale saw plenty of the ball early on which showed worrying times for the Saints side but defence by Saints was solid.  Stephen Myler had already got a penalty when the first Pisi brother, Ken, went over the line to score a try for the home side team. Ken Pisi bounced through several tackles to score a superb try. Sale simply gave Saints the next try by Marc Jacob's kick into his own half which slotted the ball into Manoa's hands: who wiggled his way through, for the second try of the game. 

England contentor, Danny Cipriani, put the first points on the board for Sale by kicking an easy penalty but once again Sale handed the ball to Saints to score another fabulous try. This time by the other Pisi brother, George. Myler's short and percise kick found the hands of Ken Pisi, before George collected it and finished on the outside. 

A push from the Saints pack let Manoa power over the line for the fourth and fifth try of the day. Yet, more was to come. A slither of hope came from Sale, where a credible break through from Tom Brady gave Sale their only try of the game.
 
Minutes to go, Fotuali'i snatched a lose ball and scored. Leading Saints into an incredible 43-10 victory over Sale. This puts the Saints squad in high spirits for next week, the start of the European Rugby Champions Cup.

Man of the Match: Ken Pisi
My Man of the Match: Samu Manoa  

London Irish Review: Saints lead the league once again.

Saints lead the league once again with a 19-12 victory over London Irish. 

Saints strong defence stopped Irish from scoring any tries, although accurate kicked penalties by London Irish nearly cost Northampton the victory. Myler and Burrell being the crucial men in the win.

Team mates in the past, Myler and Gerahty battled it out with their kicking accuracy. However, Myler outshone the ex-Saint.
Geraghty did in fact get a total of four penalties, who kicked Irish to a win over Leicester just last week. 

Saints kicked off with a fast tempo style of play, which won them a penalty at the first scrum, setting high authority over Irish. Quickly, another penalty given, but this time a miss because of an awkward right kick.

Saints were dominating in the scrum although missing two key England players, Dylan Hartley and Alex Corbisiero. Irish began to crumble under the pressure which gave Saints important penalties for point opportunities. Irish were determined not to give up, soon they were putting their own points onto the board too.

A worrying change for the Saints side came early. Lee Dickson, scrum half and Captain, was forced off with a shoulder injury. He was replaced by Kahn Fotuali'i just 15 minutes into the game. 

Irish slowly put pressure onto Saints but George Pisi did one of his hard-hitting and powerful tackles on London Irish's key man, Shane Geraghty. The Samoan international replicated a simular tackle on Geraghty which happened when the sides met back in April of last season.
They used this tackle well, brother to George, Ken Pisi sprung into action. The ball was picked up by Burrell, who powered through Geraghty to slip over the tryline.Saints had another chance to score just before half time but Ken Pisi ended up being bundled into touch. 

Half time score was 10-0 to Saints. 

Irish came out storming and determinated for the win. Geraghty's long kick for post, soon closed the points gap. Not soon after, another penalty for Irish who were putting pressure onto Saints defence. 

Myler soon stretched the lead futher by the ref handing a Saints penalty at the scrum. 

A few more penalties by either side took the score to 19-12 to Saints, Irish had only two minutes to save the game but a vital tackle by George Pisi secured the win for Saints. 

A penalty filled game but Saints came on top with the victory. 

London Irish Away Preview!

London Irish away! Saints can win this one.  A challenging game against Bath last week really showed what we can do. So this week, I am really hoping a bonus point win.

This week it was announced our mighty Corbs will be out again for a crazy amount of time (till January 2-15) but this then brings Alex Waller to the attention of Stuart Lancaster. On another note, I hope to see Lawes and Wood on our travels to Redding.

My dream game would entail George North putting his rockets on and scoring a few tries and maybe the bonus point before half time! But I know this game will be tough, like all games.

I still firmly believe we can win the premiership this year, technically we only need to be in the top 4 to still win. 

Anyway, safe journey to those travelling this weekend, I am too! I have never been to London Irish before so this is a new experience and I hope to see many of you down there.

Let's keep winning for Luis! 

  

#MylerForEngland

#WallerForEngland

#SleepTightLuis 

Saints drown late charge by Bath to win

Saints stopped Bath having the chance to receive a win from their last charge. The Saints day included: 4 tries, 4 Conversions and a penalty to secure the victory over the Leaders of the table, Bath.

A Penalty try kicked the day off, which was followed by tries from Calum Clark, Christian Day and George Pisi which rounded the game up.

Before the game started, a spine-tingling minute applause for the 13 year old, Northampton boy, Luis Ghaut who sadly died of Cancer this week. Luis was a huge part of Northampton Saints players and fans lives, who were determined to go out and win for Luis.

Saints applied pressure from the offset which made Bath's player number 15, Arscott to make a mistake, ending up with a yellow card for a deliberate knock on. Seconds later, Wigglesworth blew his whistle under the post for a penalty try. Swiftly, being converted by Myler.  Saints continued to demand in every aspect of the game, and were comfortably in the lead. This showed when George Pisi thundered through the middle and Saints sent the ball quickly to the right for Calum Clark to score. Myler stroke the ball over the post for a sensational lead of 14-0 in the first 15 minutes. 

With Arscott returning from the sin bin, Bath showed determination - putting the ball over the tryline by Wilson and Ford converting. The hunt for the win was on. Saints were soon putting more pressure on in the scrum, which helped us gain another three points by Myler kicking over for a penalty.

Bath were not giving up. Ford boots over a penalty for George Pisi not rolling away - making the score 17-10.

Both sides were looking strong and a win was not in the bag for Saints yet, Myler missing his first penalty of the day, laid even more pressure onto Saints to keep Bath from scoring.

The second half kicked off with the same intensity as the first, Fisher broke through, shaking off Bath defence and gave the ball to Foden who helped break through more of Bath's defence. A late pass gave the ball to Day who was sent over the line to score a try for Saints. A tricky conversion scored beautifully by Myler. A win looked admiment to Saints, although, a late try by Woodburn gave his side late hope for the victory.  

A driving maul by Bath gave them a penalty, kicked over by Ford put them only seven point between Saints. TMO denied a last chance win for Bath. Saints stayed strong all game.

Franklin's Gardens roared when the final whistle went. They had beaten the Leaders of the Premiership. 

Man of the Match: Dylan Hartley (captain)