Jim Mallinder praised match-saver Shane Geraghty and the composure of his young side as Northampton earned a 22-22 draw at Saracens.
Saints boss praises young players as well as man of the match
Jim Mallinder praised match-saver Shane Geraghty and the composure of his young side as Northampton earned a 22-22 draw at Saracens.
Geraghty's last-minute try ensured both sides came away from the LV= Cup match with two points, although the fly-half was unable to convert for the win.
"I'm very pleased with Shane's performance at fly-half," said the Saints rugby director. "He was a threat all game and I thought gave a fine performance in a very inexperienced side.
"He will be disappointed to have missed the conversion because it would have earned us victory, but we'll take the two points for a draw because we fielded a number of lads getting their introduction to rugby at this level.
"We played well and we kept our cool which is to their credit. I was a bit worried when Saracens introduced a couple of international props off the bench but our youngsters stayed composed."
Mallinder also singled out lock Dan Sanderson for special praise, adding: "This lad is 25 yet 12 months ago he was playing amateur rugby for Rolls Royce and then Derby before he was recommended to us so we invited him on trial and he had a very good night in very good company.
Late developer
"He stood up to the pace of the game and I'll certainly be having a closer look now at what we do about him. The academy system is excellent but it's great to see that a late developer can come through as Dan has and find himself playing professional rugby.
"He's a plasterer by trade and trains with us when he can. This game could be a turning point for the lad.
"I was also pleased with the likes of Tom Mercy and Jamie Elliott who haven't had much game time and did very well."
Saracens head coach Mark McCall admitted to being disappointed with only a share of the spoils.
"Yes it was disappointing to have victory snatched away at the death but we had some young boys making their debuts," he said.
"I was particularly impressed with full-back Ben Ransom who's only 18 but looked to the manor born on his debut, I thought the lad was outstanding.
"You see him in action in training where he always wants to be involved, always wants the ball. I believe he has a tremendous future."
