The black, green and gold were eight points down after an error-strewn and indisciplined first 40 minutes, but they came roaring out of the blocks after the break. Advertisement Advertisement A penalty try, a Sam Graham score and Ollie Sleightholme 's second try of the game put Saints in command, but Quins responded through Will Porter to set up a nervy finale. Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to Northampton Chronicle and Echo, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
However, Saints, as they had done against Exeter Chiefs on the previous weekend, saw the game out to make sure of a second win in three Gallagher Premiership matches this season. The champions had struggled to get into the game after the pre-match light show at the Gardens, handing Quins an early opportunity to apply pressure. Advertisement Advertisement The away side secured a penalty at the first breakdown inside the Saints half and booted the ball to the corner before Jack Walker drove over.
Marcus Smith easily added the extras and Saints were 7-0 down inside just three minutes. Smith soon conceded a penalty though as he tried to run the ball clear after a clever kick from Tom James forced him to gather the ball on his own line. Advertisement Advertisement Saints took the tap penalty and worked the ball to Manny Iyogun, who managed to get the ball down for the try.
Fin Smith converted to level the scores but Saints were soon looking likely to concede again as Lennox Anyanwu r.
