Saints back to winning ways

Fly-half Stephen Myler contributed 18 points as Northampton revived their play-offs challenge with a 23-13 win over Leeds.

Fly-half Stephen Myler contributed 18 points, including a try, as Northampton revived their Aviva Premiership play-offs challenge with a 23-13 win over Leeds on Saturday.

Northampton ended a six-match losing run, climbed to fourth and left Leeds as clear favourites for the drop.

Leeds had the perfect start when Adrian Jarvis converted a penalty inside the second minute.

However, six minutes later Northampton hit back when a high kick from Myler deflected off Michael Stephenson and Myler grounded for a try which he also converted.

Three minutes later another penalty from Jarvis cut Northampton's lead but opposite number Myler soon claimed his first penalty of the afternoon to put the visitors 10-6 ahead.

The Yorkshiremen had chances to cross the line but they could not quite find the killer pass and Northampton could have extended their lead as Myler missed a penalty.

Saints then fashioned some good territory as the interval approached and went through the phases in a period of sustained pressure which culminated in them eventually knocking on as Leeds survived. At 10-6 behind at the break, the onus was on Leeds to come out in the second half and attack the visitors.

However, two penalties from Myler put Saints in control and wing Paul Diggin then powered over for a try in the 65th minute and Myler added the extras.

Leeds had the final say when Danny Paul went over for a try which Jarvis converted but it was not enough to secure ta losing bonus point.

The scorers:

For Leeds:
Try: Paul
Con:Jarvis
Pens: Jarvis 2

For Northampton:
Tries: Myler, Diggin
Cons: Myler 2
Pens: Myler 3

The teams:

Leeds Carnegie: 15 Michael Stephenson, 14 Henry Fa'afili, 13 Luther Burrell, 12 Scott Barrow (capt), 11 Peter Wackett, 10 Adrian Jarvis, 9 Scott Mathie, 8 Alfie To'oala, 7 Hendre Fourie, 6 Kearnan Myall, 5 Sean Hohneck, 4 Daniel Browne, 3 Juan Gomez, 2 Scott Freer, 1 Gareth Hardy.
Replacements: 16 Phil Nilsen, 17 Mike MacDonald, 18 Phil Swainston, 19 Danny Paul, 20 James Craig, 21 Warren Fury, 22 Ceiron Thomas, 23 Semi Tadulala.

Northampton: 15 Shane Geraghty, 14 Bruce Reihana, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Paul Diggin, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Phil Dowson (capt), 6 Calum Clark, 5 Christian Day, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Brett Sharman, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Andy Long, 17 Alex Waller, 18 Tom Mercey, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Mark Easter, 21 Stuart Commins, 22 Matt Cornwell, 23 Greig Tonks.

Venue: Headingley Carnegie
Referee: Chris White