Northampton Saints cruise to Leeds victory

Northampton Saints ended a losing streak in the Premiership when they beat Leeds 13-23 at Headingley

Northampton had lost their last six Aviva Premiership matches after comfortably leading the table earlier on in the season.

Fly-half Stephen Myler contributed 18 points, including a try, as Northampton climbed to fourth and left Leeds as clear favourites for the drop.

Leeds had the perfect start when Adrian Jarvis converted a penalty inside the second minute.

However, six minutes later Northampton hit back when a high kick from Myler deflected off Michael Stephenson and Myler grounded for a try which he also converted.

Three minutes later another penalty from Jarvis cut Northampton’s lead but opposite number Myler soon claimed his first penalty of the afternoon to put the visitors 10-6 ahead.

The Yorkshiremen had chances to cross the line but they could not quite find the killer pass and Northampton could have extended their lead as Myler missed a penalty.

Saints then fashioned some good territory as the interval approached and went through the phases in a period of sustained pressure which culminated in them eventually knocking on as Leeds survived.

At 10-6 behind at the break, the onus was on Leeds to come out in the second half and attack the visitors.

However, two penalties from Myler put Saints in control and wing Paul Diggin then powered over for a try in the 65th minute and Myler added the extras.

Leeds had the final say when Danny Paul went over for a try which Jarvis converted but it was not enough to secure ta losing bonus point.

The Saints had not won away from home in the Premiership since a trip to Sale Sharks on 19 November.

Final Score Leeds Carnegie 13 (6 )Northampton 23 (10)

Scorers

Leeds Carnegie
Tries: Paul
Penalties: Jarvis 2
Conversions: Jarvis

Northampton Saints
Tries: Myler, Diggin
Penalties: Myler 3
Conversions: Myler 2

Teams

Leeds Carnegie :15. Michael Stephenson , 14. Henry Fa’afili , 13. Luther Burrell , 12. Scott Barrow (c) , 11. Peter Wackett , 10. Adrian Jarvis , 9. Scott Mathie , 1. Gareth Hardy , 2. Scott Freer , 3. Juan Gomez , 4. Daniel Browne , 5. Sean Hohneck , 6. Kearnan Myall , 7. Hendre Fourie , 8. Alfie To’oala ,

Replacements :16. Phil Nilsen , 17. Mike MacDonald , 18. Phil Swainston , 19. Danny Paul , 20. James Craig , 21. Warren Fury , 22. Ceiron Thomas , 23. Semi Tadulala

Northampton Saints : 15 Shane Geraghty , 14 Bruce Reihana , 13 Jon Clarke , 12 James Downey , 11 Paul Diggin , 10 Stephen Myler , 9 Lee Dickson , 1 Soane Tonga”uiha , 2 Brett Sharman , 3 Brian Mujati , 4 Courtney Lawes , 5 Christian Day , 6 Calum Clark , 7 Phil Dowson (capt) , 8 Roger Wilson

Replacements , 16 Andy Long , 17 Alex Waller , 18 Tom Mercey , 19 Mark Sorenson , 20 Mark Easter , 21 Stuart Commins , 22 Matt Cornwell , 23 Greig Tonks

Teamtalk.