Saints 38 Leeds 23

Well I said that the first ten minutes would be important. Saints scored a try ten minutes in and then got rolling. Flatmates Tonks and Commins both scores tried so that gives them something to talk about tonight!
Leeds will be bitterly disappointed to throw that away. They get a bonus point for 4 tries, but not enough.

Mixed feelings coming away from this game.  Certainly if we let the Sarries get this far ahead next week then it is unlikely we will be given an opportunity to get back in.  But a lot of credit to the team for not letting their heads drop and to show this much resilience.

Defence was poorer than we normally expect from the Saints.  Exactly why is unclear.  TinTin does struggle and bounces off a lot of tackles rather than holding his man, and then we seemed to be leaving gaps that aren't normally there.  Just not tight enough.  The attaking game was better though for the first half lacking penetration.  Not least because of unforced errors at vital times.  Sometimes it is as thought they try too hard, and by trying to force it then they slip.

Scores:
Saints - Tries: TinTin, Brett, Tonks, Piggy, Sarge, Commins; Cons: TinTin, Brooce (3);
Leeds - Tries: Tincknell, Craig, Fourie, Rowan; Cons: Thomas (2)