Northampton return to top with narrow win over bottom side Newcastle

The Prem

Northampton (14) 28

Tries: McParland, Sleightholme, Langdon, Litchfield Cons: Belleau 4

Newcastle (12) 27

Northampton Saints regained top spot in the Prem table with a hard-fought and often unconvincing 28-27 victory over bottom club Newcastle Red Bulls.

In a performance which displayed layers of rust as the domestic league competition returned for the first time since January, it was the visitors who emerged as the better side on balance of play.

Yet after holding on to edge a tight contest with four tries to Newcastle’s three, it was Saints who emerged with a bonus point win, enough for them move above Bath at the top.

Newcastle, who brought physicality to Franklins Gardens which their hosts struggled to match, had to settle for just a losing bonus point for their troubles but will feel they are closer to only a second win of their Prem campaign.

Northampton: Furbank; Pater, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Ramm; Belleau, McParland; Iyogun, Smith, Green; Prowse, Munga; Lockett, Pearson, Chick (capt).

Replacements: Langdon, West, Kundiona, Ainsworth-Cave, Ulcoq, James, Thame, Sleightholme.

Newcastle: E Obatoyinbo; Spencer, Hearle, Arnold, H Obatoyinbo; Connon, Cruz; Brocklebank, McGuigan (capt), Palframan; Clarke, Scott; Parsons, Christie, Leatherbarrow.

Replacements: Fletcher, McCallum, Little, Hawkins, Gordon, Elliott, Beeckmans, Chamberlain.