EDF Energy Cup

Pool D, Round 3, 1 November 2008

Northampton Saints 33, Scarlets 20

On All Saints Day at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton Saints overcame an early deficit  to secure a bonus point win against Scarlets (aka Llanelli) to see them through to a Cup Semi Final date at the Ricoh Stadium in Coventry in March 2009. In a text book game of two halves, a lacklustre home side perked up significantly after half time to secure an emphatic victory.

This being the nearest home game to Remembrance Day, the traditional silence for the fallen before kick off was observed immaculately after wreaths were laid on the Club's war memorial. As Lesley said on this board in the week, you could hear a tear fall during the silence to remember those who gave their lives in the service of this nation.

Saints came back from two early Scarlets tries (and the full repertoire of Hymns and Arias from the travelling fans) to secure a win despite a first half notable for slow ball at the base of ruck and scrum and a less than secure line out. Ben Foden played well in running play but came off a poor second in his contest with Martens around the base of the scrum. He was caught napping in the move that lead to Scarlets second try on 9 minutes when Stoddart scythed through to score in the left corner after lightning quick ball. Scarlets had already scored the first try through Regan King as Scarlets showed clear intent to play running rugby in contrast to the home side's kicking game.

Saints then woke up with brilliant counter attacking from deep through Reihana, taken on by Foden who was tackled short. Saints won a penalty and opted to kick for touch. From the line out, clean ball was delivered to Tom Smith, recycled twice and in the blink of an eye, Ashton shot over in the corner for a try. As with Scarlets early tries, the conversion was missed. 5-10 after 12 minutes.

Thomas and Myler exchanged penalties before Ashton scored his second try (after the TMO was asked to have a butchers at the replay) when Saints moved the ball at pace from a line out in the visitor's 22 across to the right winger.

Half time came with Saints somehow level at 13-13 despite Starlets looking by far the quicker of foot and thought in the first half. Foden was playing well in the loose but his tight play around the scrum and ruck was not looking at all sharp. The Saints scrum looked strong but if the ball gets stolen or spoiled at the base, it ain't too clever.

I expect that words were had a half time because a much snappier Saints team emerged after the break. Early try possibilities were wasted with poor handling but the pace of the team looked better.

From a Scarlets line out, they hoisted an up and under, the ball was taken upfield by Saints and out to Reihana who surged through gaps to spin over the final tackles and dot down for Saints third try after 6 minutes. Myler added the extras to put Saints into the lead for the first time at 20-13.

Scarlets brought on some of their big guns from the bench but a huge Lobbe tackle won Saints a penalty although Myler missed the uprights. Foden departed to be replaced by Dickson and with it some better control at the base of the ruck. Dickson's first action was the put in at a scrum 5 on Saints line after the TMO had disallowed a Scarlets "try."

The visitors were still giving it a go and another near try was pulled back after crossing in their back line

As the third quarter ended, Reihana had to be helped off with a knock to the leg, to be replaced by Diggin. The last quarter also saw Mr Barnes patience with Scarlets ending as he gave a string of penalties for ruck offences, giving Myler the opportunity to extend Saints lead to 23-13 after 22 minutes.

With decent line out ball. Saints attacked in waves until they were in position just in front of the sticks. The ball was recycled and popped up to find Sean Lamont thundering through the midfield to score at the posts for Saints bonus point try. Myler added the simple conversion to give Saints a decent lead, although this was eroded on 32 minutes when Scarlets scored wide on the right after the home side ran out of defenders with Downey sitting in the sin bin.

Saints then demonstrated that despite the ELV's it is possible to maul the ball 20 metres up field and Saints were looking the stronger side as time ticked away. So strong in fact that they won a penalty for some naughty business in a ruck and Myler added the 3 points to assure victory as Saints forwards played keep ball as the clock reached no side.

Final result: Saints 33, Scarlets 20.

Steve Myler was announced as Man of the Match and Uncle Geoff went on to confirm that Saracens hadn't done enough to win the EDF pool and Saints had a semi final date next March.

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