Quins too strong for Saints

Northampton are still searching for their first away win in the Guinness Premiership this season after going down 27-6 to Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop.

Despite being without England trio Danny Care, Nick Easter and Ugo Monye, the hosts still had too much power for Saints.

A third-minute try from Gary Botha gave Quins the perfect start and by half time they had opened up a commanding 13-0 advantage.

After the break they were awarded a penalty try before lock Jim Evans touched down. Nick Evans kicked 12 points, including all three conversions.

Travel sickness

All Northampton managed in reply was two penalties from Stephen Myler, as they once again returned home to Franklin's Gardens having suffered a loss on their travels.

They certainly missed the attacking skills of the absent Ben Foden in the backs, while their pack was weakened by the loss of Dylan Hartley, also away on international duty, and injured Scotland prop Euan Murray.

In contrast Quins seemed to find more-than adequate replacements for their missing men, Andy Gomarsall certainly making the most of a rare start.

The former England scrum-half was prominent in the move that led to the opening try from the fit-again Botha, Evans adding the extras having set up the South African hooker.

An 18th-minute penalty got the home side up to double figures and a further three points on the stroke of the interval left Saints with a mountain to climb.

Their only first-half scoring chance came when Myler was narrowly wide with a 45-metre penalty and although he did find his range after the break, it was not enough to claim a losing bonus point.

Penalty try

Harlequins' power up front forced French referee Christophe Berdos to penalise Saints after their forwards had been driven back over their own line.

Evans slotted over the conversion before Northampton finally opened their account when Myler landed his third penalty attempt, a second effort shortly after reducing the deficit to 14 points.

However, Harlequins were in no mood to let up and allow their opponents to get within range, pushing on to grab a third try in the closing stages.

It was All Blacks number 10 Evans who set up namesake Jim, who had come off the bench to replace Chris Robshaw, to go over in the 67th minute.

Although they were unable to find a fourth try to pick up an extra point, the victory lifts Dean Richards' troops into sixth spot in the table.