The Saints

The Saints are the Northampton rugby team. Having gone through some rough patches, including most recently relegation during the 2007/2008 season (they completed the year in National Division 1 with an unprecedented 35 wins from 35 games), they have rapidly come back through the combined powers of Jim Mallinder, Dorian West and Paul Grayson, alongside a strong combination of youth and experience.



EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP WINNERS 2009

LV= CUP WINNERS 2010

Heineken Cup Finalists 2011




Pictures by Merlin

Northampton Saints News

Tuesday, 19 October 2010

Edinburgh 27 - Saints 31

A trip up to Scotland for the team.  Unfortunately I had been sent down to Torquay with work so that was about as far away as I could get.  I was on the train and having to rely on text messages while the match was being played.

Edinburgh are a tough team at Murrayfield.  It might be the atmosphere, or lack of it, with so few fans in such a large stadium.  Everyone can be seen crowding around the players tunnel.  On TV the Saints followers had a louder voice than the home crowd.  It may be the width of the pitch, although this suits the Saints well.  Whatever it is, this is not an easy match, and they nearly beat Cardiff away last weekend.  So it promised to be a match.

And it lived up to it.  Anyone says the rules prevent tries at the moment needs to watch this game.  Edinburgh especially showed some lovely ball skills.  But at half time the Saints were in touch 24-21, and the Saints are normally stronger in the second half.  Sure enough they came on and closed the game down, made it flow their way, and took control.

Smyler had a great day.  Only missed one kick, and he managed the game well.  It is easy to overlook how good Smyler is.  He isn't an "in your face" player, so he doesn't get noticed, but he is great at releasing the rest of the backs.  His kicking from hand still needs more distance but he understands the game well and plays for the team.  Welcome back.

Tonks had a good debut for the first team.  Full back is a focus positin, and with us being used to Fodes there then they are big boots to fill.  But he had a good game.  Well played and looks good for when the autumn internationals reduce our squad down.

It's easy to think that a bonus point would have been the icing.  But an away win, especially in the Heineken Cup, is a rare commodity.  Effectively 4 bonus points!  And Cardiff lost to Castre so that puts the Saints in the driving seat.

Scores:
Saints -  Tries: Downey, Digger, Rabbit; Cons: Smyler (2); Pens: Smyler (4)
Edinburgh - Tries: Cairns, Jacobsen, Talei; Cons: Paterson (3); Pens: Paterson (2)

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