By Simon Robinson
October 1 2005

Wobbly Worcester Warriors Split Six ways by Saints Saints finally showed their potential today against a lacking Warriors XV at Sixways. The visitors came away 22 – 7 winners, three tries to one, with some of the best running rugby seen in Northampton colours in a while.

The Saints’ early dominance paid off in only the seventh minute, Carlos Spencer sending Powergen Man of the Match Ben Cohen over for his first try of the season. Bruce added the conversion to extend Northampton’s lead to 7 – 0.

Worrying news for Saints fans as newly un-banned tighthead Colin Noon went off with a reported torn muscle. He was replaced by Chris Budgen, who like so many of Saints players, hit a rich vein of form.

Northampton had another try on the board on 26 minutes after a Sean Lamont break from a lineout went to Bruce Reihana, who then sent Cohen away for his second. A touchline conversion crept wide of the posts to leave the score at 12 – 0.

This is how the half time scoreline read. Saints dominated the lineout, not only winning the majority of theirs but also stealing several of Worcesters. The quick clearing out of rucks, good powered rolling mauls, and classy Spencer-inspired back moves made the game a joy to watch.

With the backs finally passing properly, and the forwards securing good ball for them, Saints returned to the pitch in the second half to find a determined Worcester team. The first score of the half came just short of the hour, Reihana converting a penalty in front of the posts.

 

Sam Harding, the New Zealand flanker, entered the fray on the hour mark, replacing Darren Fox. Reports of his play had promised a great debut, and so it was. A superb break from Jon Clarke found Harding on his shoulder, and sent him over for his debut try with his first touch! An easy conversion left Saints romping it at 22 – 0.

 

As ever with Saints, they went to sleep once the game was safe. Mark Soden’s sinbinning for a high tackle soon led to a pushover try for replacement back row Johnny Tuamoheloa, converted by Drahm, left the scoreline at 22 – 7. A raft of second half substitutions saw the entry of Johnny Howard, Matt Lord, Rhodri Davies and Seamus Mallon (on the flank!) but the match was won.

 

All in all, a fantastic match, Saints were unlucky not to get a bonus point, Cohen close to a hat-trick. Great to see players like Cohen, Budgen, Clarke, Richmond and Browne finding their form, and with the addition of new boys Quinlan, Lamont, Harding and of course Carlos Spencer this team could finally start stringing some wins together.