Tight tussle: Courtney Lawes takes on Sarries' defence
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Saracens moved back into second spot on the Premiership table after claiming a nail-biting 17-16 win over Northampton at stadiumMK on Sunday.
Two late Owen Farrell penalties sealed the win for the home side.
Saracens initially took an 11-0 lead through John Smit's touchdown and two Charlie Hodgson penalties, but the visitors hit back with Phil Dowson's converted try and Stephen Myler's three-pointer.
Although Myler added two more from the tee in the second half, Farrell came on to kick the home side to victory.
Despite an excellent start to the season, the Saints' form has gradually tailed off in recent months, culminating in a disappointing 18-9 defeat to Harlequins last week.
And they looked devoid of ideas early on in this encounter as the hosts' forwards controlled the tempo from the kick-off.
Saracens took the lead after a powerful driving maul ended in Smit touching down for his first Premiership try.
Hodgson extended that advantage with successive penalties as they went 11-0 ahead with just 15 minutes gone. Northampton needed a response and Jim Mallinder's men found it through a well-constructed try.
Ken Pisi made the initial break before Dowson was on hand to charge through two defenders to score. Myler then added a penalty to cut the deficit to just a point at half-time.
The Saints' stand-off then kicked them ahead as Sarries started to make mistakes.
The visitors' scrum, previously under pressure, also began to take command and a further infringement in that area allowed Myler to take the score to 16-11.
But successive three-pointers from substitute Farrell gained the win, although there was late drama as Myler's last minute attempt hit the bar.
The scorers:
For Saracens:
Try: Smit
Pens: Hodgson 2, Farrell 2
For Northampton:
Try: Dowson
Pens: Myler 3
Con: Myler
Saracens: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Joel Tomkins, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 David Strettle, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Ernst Joubert (c), 7 Will Fraser, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Mouritz Botha, 4 George Kruis, 3 Matt Stevens, 2 John Smit, 1 Mako Vunipola.
Replacements: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 Carlos Nieto, 19 Eoin Sheriff, 20 Jono Ross, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 James Short.
Northampton Saints: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Ken Pisi, 13 George Pisi, 12 Dom Waldouck, 11 Jamie Elliott, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 GJ Van Velze, 7 Phil Dowson, 6 Tom Wood, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Samu Manoa, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Dylan Hartley(c), 1 Alex Waller.
Replacements: 16 Mike Haywood, 17 Soane Tonga'uiha, 18 Paul Doran Jones, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Calum Clark, 21 Martin Roberts, 22 Ryan Lamb, 23 Tom May.
Referee: JP Doyle
Comments
bullitt says...
JP Doyle was the crucial man in this Saracens win and easily their MOTM. Particularly in the last 20 minutes he repeatedly pinged Saints for Saracens infringements (for example, a Farrell penalty came from Sarries hands on the floor after Saints won clean turnover). Biased eyes etc., but it was clear as daylight Doyle was far more dictating in making a competition then refereeing one. He's up there with Barnes, Walsh and Owens of referees who really shouldn't.
Saints will not win anything this year (at this rate, they may not even qualify for the HEC next year). Sarries, based upon how despite playing against a clueless Saints side for the first 30 minutes required several dodgy decisions and a crossbar to squeak a 1-point win, also will not win anything.
A close match with an exciting finish, yes. Inspirational, no.
Posted 11:00 31st December 2012
hellovanite says...
Saints denied by the crossbar, played well enough to win this, but it's the championship teams that win the games that they really shouldn't. If Northampton are going to play out to their potential they will have to take all their opportunities. Long range but Myler should have slotted it.
Posted 07:36 31st December 2012
melkdave says...
That was annother very good match,both sides showed improvment,intensity,and made it excitingto watch.Saints need to find some consistency,if they are to challange ,but still time for them ,while Sarries look alot more attacking orintended ,this season,who says they are boring,not this year imo.
Posted 21:06 30th December 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
This dip could be good news for Saints. How many years have we seen them sail into the play offs with top rugby all season only to run out of puff when it counts. IF, a big if, they can stage a late run a bit later in the season and get back into the top 4, in the mean time staying close in big games like this, they might well be more dangerous come play offs.
Posted 20:36 30th December 2012
ste490 says...
I reckon someone ought to take JP Doyle round the back of the bike sheds and have a quiet word with him. He was truly awful today.
Posted 19:42 30th December 2012
NHsaints says...
Damn, a much much improved showing by the saints, I really thought we were going to clinch it at the end there...now we need consistency so we can gain and solidify a top 4 place
Posted 17:46 30th December 2012