Saints maintain title push
Northampton winger Chris Ashton scored a try in each half as Saints clinched a 25-13 victory over Newcastle at Franklin's Gardens.
Last Updated: 13/02/10 6:23pm
Northampton winger Chris Ashton scored a try in each half as Saints clinched a 25-13 victory over Newcastle at Franklin's Gardens.
The hosts did not need to be at their best to see off the Falcons, mixing excellent handling with ill discipline that prevented them racking up a convincing win.
Saints moved the ball at every opportunity and the game was just eight minutes old when Ashton first crossed, Falcons losing crucial lineout ball from which Northampton moved it wide for Ashton to score.
Stephen Myler converted and although Jimmy Gopperth was able to kick a penalty against the run of play from 45 metres on 20 minutes, Myler responded three minutes later.
But Newcastle hit back strongly with what amounted to virtually their first attack of the match, securing possession from the lineout on their own 22 before driving forward with Rob Vickers on the end of a sweeping move, Gopperth adding the two.
The visitors enjoyed their best period of the half but this time it was Saints who scored against the play, Myler sending his side away with a skilful pass before Juandre Kruger was brought up just short of the line, Lee Dickson on hand to pick up and go over.
Myler's conversion attempt came back off an upright to leave Northampton 15-10 up at the break and they had the better of proceedings immediately afterwards, Myler extending the lead after Falcons were penalised at the scrum.
Saints dominated at the scrum but gave away a number of penalties when poised to score and they gave Newcastle an attacking platform from which Gopperth was able to capitalise with a 55th minute penalty.
However, with just over an hour gone Saints went over for the match-winning score - the outstanding Dickson sending Kruger away with Ashton on hand to finish the move.
Myler added the two points to make it 25-13 and although Newcastle had plenty of possession in the final 15 minutes they were unable to find a way through.
Shane Geraghty entered the fray two minutes before the end and Saints should have scored a bonus-point try with the last move of the match but a poor offload deprived Ashton of a hat-trick.