An outstanding team performance by Northampton Saints ended the league leaders unbeaten run in front of a full house at Franklin's Gardens.
Although
both sides were missing several internationals, Northampton were too
strong in all departments.
In
the 5th minute a penalty was awarded to Northampton when
Saracens took a player out in the line out and Stephen Myler kicked
the Saints into the lead, 3-0. However, Saracens were quick to
respond. Foul play by Saints enabled Alex Goode to level the score
with a penalty in the 8th minute, 3-3.
Northampton's
composure and hard work paid off though when Samu Manoa made a break,
passing to Sam Dickinson who off-loaded to Jamie Elliot to score
under the posts in the 12th minute. Myler then converted
for Saints to lead 10-3.
Sarries
were quickly on the attack and it was Elliot who saved the day with
a superb try-saving tackle on David Strettle. Northampton's rucking
enabled them to regain the ball and Myler cleared the danger with a
kick to touch. The Saracens' game play was very pacey and the tempo
changed. The back line made considerable ground but as they drifted
over the try line, the ball was held up in the 18th minute
by the Saints' defence.
A
solid Saints scrum in their own 22 enabled Northampton to take the
game back up to the Saracens 22. A super break by Luther Burrell
resulted in the the ball being spun out to Manoa who shook off two
tackles and then side-stepped Goode to score under the posts. Myler
converted and Saints were 17-3 up after 25 minutes.
With
Northampton's discipline lacking at times, they were penalised in the
30th minute for not releasing. Goode attempted to kick the
points but missed just wide. However, ten minutes later, the
Saracens were awarded another penalty and Goode was on target to take
the score to 17-6 on half time.
What
were Northampton going to have to do to secure a win? Match Saracens'
tempo and not become complacent? Saints did just that. Just 2 minutes
into the second half Ben Foden crossed the try line in the corner.
22-6 and the Saints were off to a flying start.
Eleven minutes later and after more Saints' domination, full-back Foden crossed the line at pace to score in the opposite corner. Myler converted and Northampton's lead was increased to 29-6.
On
came a mass of Sarries' replacements and this quickly paid dividends.
Their forwards pack drove a solid maul closer to the Saints' try line
and Duncan Taylor went over in the 60th minute. Goode
converted to make it 29-13. With a quarter of the game still left to
play could Saracens pull back?
A spell of poor handling saw the ball changing sides ,in quick succession on the half way line but Ken Pisi managed to make a clean break and with the Saracens' defence lacking, an inside pass to Burrell enabled him to score under the posts. Myler converted in the 65th minute and Northampton were exceeding expectations at 36-13.
Back came Saracens. Their forwards drove over the try line in the 68th minute and the TMO controversially awarded a try to Kelly Brown, though it's not clear how anyone could have seen the ball being grounded. A conversion by Goode saw the Saracens edging ever closer at 36-20 but it was Ken Pisi who sealed the deal for Northampton with 8 minutes to go. He scored off a pass from his brother George Pisi and Northampton had spectacularly ended Saracens' unbeaten record with a record, 41-20 win.
The 16th man was definitely heard at Franklin's Gardens, with the highest attendance of the season so far, 13474. From the moment Northampton left the players tunnel to the final whistle the supporters were made themselves heard and the atmosphere was electric.
It is fair to say, the Saints went marching in today.