Saints did the double over Bristol to book in the European Challenge Cup. It was a bonus point win for Northampton although Bristol, too late, secured a losing bonus point of their own.
Saints did the double over Bristol to book in the European Challenge Cup. It was a bonus point win for Northampton although Bristol, too late, secured a losing bonus point of their own in a 21 - 25 defeat.
The dangerous Foden secured the visitors' bonus-point with his two tries sandwiching those of Clarke and Mayor. However, Bristol recovered from 9 - 25 down with tries from Lee Robinson and Luke Arscott.
The first half performance was marginally better than last weekend, but all too often the virtues of straight running, tackling round the legs and maintaining control of possession were neglected. Penalty kicks from Ed Barnes kept Bristol just about in touch, but successful penalties don't make up for conceding easy tries. The first quarter of the second half was in much the same vein before Bristol's replacements seemed to galvanise Bristol into action.
Alfie To'oala sucked in defenders, creating space that Adrian Jarvis was able to exploit. Powerful running from Lee Robinson saw him make 20 metres with four defenders struggling to halt him, before he popped up again; coming into midfield to speed over the line. He played a part in the second try also, creating space for Neil Brew who lofted the ball out to Luke Arscott, who had the strength to cross out wide on the left.
A more positive conclusion to a match that Bristol looked like losing for most of the games. If only we could play an entire game like we play in the second half of most. Perhaps we will at Worcester?
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