Jim Mallinder cut a delighted figure after watching his Northampton side secure a dramatic 30-24 success over Gloucester.
Saints boss thrilled with victory and performance
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder cut a delighted figure after watching his Northampton side secure a dramatic 30-24 success over Gloucester in the final of the LV= Cup.
Saints emerged triumphant after a fantastic free-flowing contest, outscoring their opponents three tries to two and securing a place in next season's Heineken Cup in the process.
"Cup finals are all about winning," Mallinder stated afterwards.
"You would take 3-0 in a final, but it is more encouraging when you can go out and play like that.
"There were two teams who wanted to play rugby, and I thought it was a good advert for the game.
"It shows how far the side has progressed, and it was great for our fantastic set of fans who have supported us through thick and thin. It was special."
Northampton's memorable victory was secured through tries by prop Soane Tonga'uiha, centre James Downey and scrum-half Lee Dickson in a game when the lead changed hands no fewer than five times.
Fly-half Stephen also kicked six from six to finish with 15 points as Saints shaded a pulsating tussle.
"The win will give us a lot of confidence," continued Mallinder.
"It is a tournament you have got to work hard in, and we have still got a chance in two other competitions, so there is plenty to play for."
The Northampton supremo reserved particular praise for prop Tonga'uiha who capped off an explosive all-round display with his first-half try.
"He had a really good game," added Mallinder. "He has been good for us all season, and he is really developing."
Painful for Redpath
Gloucester boss Bryan Redpath could not hide his disappointment as the Cherry and Whites finished as beaten Anglo-Welsh finalists for a second successive season.
"It is never easy, losing finals," declared Redpath.
"It was a game that could have gone either way - Nicky Robinson said he'd scored in the second-half (the television match official ruled otherwise) - but that's life.
"I can't change it now. Nicky said he had scored, but it didn't happen and you get on with it.
"We didn't control possession well enough and there were one or two little errors.
"Credit to Northampton. They worked hard and battled hard for each other. I am chuffed for Jim."
