Saints looked strong in the first half, taking a 6 - 0 lead thanks to two Drahm penalties, but by the 26 minute mark Newcastle had drawn level with two from dislodged fly-half Dave Walder, playing at full-back. A nasty injury to wing Michael Stephenson on the half-hour saw "Jonny" enter the fray, an injury attended to initially by paramedic-cum-ref Tony Spreadbury. His swift action a month ago almost certainly saved England U21 prop Matt Hampson from further injury.

Wilkinson's first job for Newcastle - a team now playing with three fly-halves - was to convert a penalty opportunity into a three point lead. This didn't last long, as a Drahm cross field kick found Hyndman waiting on the left wing to sneak in for a try. Drahm slotted the conversion to put Saints back on top at 13 - 9.

Saints extended their lead just prior to the break, departing South African Corne Krige falling on a loose ball from a Newcastle scrum. Drahm again added the extras to leave Saints 20 - 9 up. A late Wilkinson penalty brought half-time at 20 - 12.

Of course, Saints are notoriously poor at defending leads, as well as being sure fire to let in early points after the break. In this vein, Jamie Noon ran the Northampton defence ragged for a try after only three minutes, Wilkinson's boot meaning the gap was now a point, 20 - 19.

Another worrying injury, another player stretchered off, this time Saints centre and try scorer Chris Hyndman. Paul Diggin, local lad and C Block favourite, entered the fray in his place. Billy Fulton came on to replace an excellent Ben Jones on 56 minutes, both scrum-halves performing admirably.

An uncharacteristic second missed penalty by Shane Drahm (the first being after five minutes) let Wilkinson convert one of his own on the hour mark to put the Falcons back on top at 20 - 22. Drahm's reply on 66 minutes gave the advantage back to the home team, Saints now leading 23 - 22.

That ended the scoring, but Newcastle had chances to win. A badly miscued Walder drop goal attempt on 77 minutes, and a Wilkinson penalty miss on 80, left the Saints thanking their lucky stars.

All in all, a well fought out win, Bruce Reihana, Corne Krige and Mark Soden heading the team for man of the match. At the First XV meeting afterwards, Andy Blowers gladly received the COYSDC memorial brochure, telling how he'll greatly miss the atmosphere at the Gardens. I'm sure you'll be missed greatly by the fans Andy, farewell and good luck.

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