May double sinks Saints

Gloucester winger Jonny May scored two tries as his side won an eighth match on the bounce courtesy of a tight 18-16 success at Northampton.

As the Cherry and Whites recorded a fourth straight win in the Aviva Premiership, Saints slipped to a fifth league loss in a row and record their worst run for five years.

Nicky Robinson also kicked two penalties and a conversion to seal the win, despite a second-half Greig Tonks try and three penalties and a conversion from Stephen Myler.

Swindon-born May is the fastest man in the Kingsholm squad and his pace was evident as he crossed twice during a compact first-half performance from resurgent Gloucester.

Quick but slightly risky hands from Akapusi Qera and Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu gave May the chance to score the match's opening try.

The 20-year-old scooped up the bouncing ball and promptly scythed through a statuesque Saints defence, even having time to salute his score on his 35-metre burst.

Early penalty

Myler had opened the scoring with a penalty, but May's score and Robinson's conversion reversed that lead.

Saints fly-half Myler doubled his and his side's tally with a second penalty on 26 minutes, but Gloucester struck again to ensure they went into the break with a handy lead.

England Under-20 cap May was again the scorer as he raced in to touch down in the right corner, just evading the Saints cover in time.

Saints opened the second half a different side though, and they quickly responded Tonks as he comfortably won the race on to Myler's clever grubber kick in behind.

Myler slotted over the easy conversion to ensure Saints regained the lead by a point.

Missed

The former rugby league playmaker then missed a penalty attempt, before England back-five forward Courtney Lawes came off the bench for his first action since injuring a knee at Leicester on January 8.

Robinson restored his side's lead with a penalty, and then added another three points following a penalty won at a maul.

Myler cut that lead to two as Saints dominated a scrum for another penalty, but impressive continuity and phase play from Gloucester ran down the clock for eight minutes.

A good maul in the Saints 22 was brought down, and the Cherry and Whites put the penalty into the corner. Gloucester knocked on at the line-out, prompting frenetic Saints attempts to turn the tide at the death.

Saints conceded a scrum penalty to sound the final whistle, though, as their poor form continued.