Northampton took an early lead through Myler's long range penalty for a Bristol offside. Dan Ward-Smith, back to his near his best at No8, scored a first-rate converted try from a lineout and drive in the first half.  However, Bristol lacked the composure and confidence to build on this good start and it was Northampton who soon held the edge following a try by Downey when the ball went along the line to fashion a straightforward opening after Vunga Lilo had missed touch; a common failing for Bristol throughout (possibly the touchline on the west has been moved in?).  The conversion by Myler saw Saints to a deserved, but far from secure, lead at 7 - 10.

The second half started with both teams continuing to commit basic errors.  Bristol were particularly poor and ignored overlaps and failed to pass to the outside man on numerous occaasions throught the match.  Perhaps there is something amis with the backs?  Tom Arscott was ignored several times and seemed to speak to Richard Hill about this at half time.  Finally the Bristol indiscipline saw Myler strike another penalty to take Northampton further in front at 10 - 13.  It took the introduction of Shaun Perry to inject some much needed directness into the Bristol play and some enthusiasm from the crowd as we saw Bristol running straight and purposefully.  The errors did not disappear instantly though, and Perry certainly committed a few of his own, but it was his sharp pass that saw Ed Barnes, who had replaced Adrian Jarvis at fly half, take the ball at speed to cut his way through the Northampton defence.  He released Luke Eves who, giving the lie to those who claim he lacks pace, sprinted over untouched.  In deathly silence, soon followed by Bristol cheers, Barnes converted to edge Bristol in front at 14 - 13.

Creditably, Bristol did not sit back and attempt to defend this narrow lead but, as if realising that Northampton were vulnerable, continued to take the game to Saints.  Initially this looked promising but unfortunately a knock on as the forwards attempted a driving maul 10 metres from the line handed the initiative back to Northampton.  They worked their way down field and desperate defence kept them from making a decisive breakthrough.  A knock on From David Lemi as he made another fine tackle was missed by the officials and gave Bristol a scrum to stem the tide and use up some time.  Still Northampton sought a way through but the defence held firm, and more importantly gave away no penalties.  With the clock on zero and all in the ground at a high pitch of anxiety the ball was flung back to Myler for a long range drop goal effort.  It went high and seemingly straight but to the disapointment of Northampton and the joy of Bristol it drifted agonisingly wide.

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