Bath deny battling Saints

Bath gathered themselves after second half fightback from Northampton to rescue a point at Franklin's Gardens.

Three tries before the break had given the Guinness Premiership leaders a 21-13 lead, but Saints forged ahead midway through the second period to give the visitors a fright.

However, a try seven minutes from time by Jonathon Faamatuainu, converted by Butch James, tied the scores at 28-28 to give both teams something from a hard-fought contest.

James, overlooked by South Africa coach Pieter de Villiers, kicked the visitors into a 6-0 lead after Saints were penalised three times for offences at the ruck in the opening 10 minutes.

But the hosts were the first to cross when winger Paul Diggin - who was only playing after Chris Mayor failed a late fitness test - was set up by some great work from number eight Roger Wilson, with Stephen Myler adding the touchline conversion.

But full-back Jack Cuthbert, who had been caught in no-man's land for the first try, made immediate amends when he bounced off four tacklers on the way to the try-line at the other end.

James converted the score and added another penalty inside the half-hour mark, stretching the lead to 16-7, and Bath were threatening to score again before the break.

It came on 28 minutes, controlling a close-range scrum superbly before number eight Daniel Browne powered over, but Saints were allowed to remain in touch, Myler adding two penalties before the interval.

And they were right in the match just moments into the second half, Bruce Reihana's kick bouncing favourably for flanker Mark Easter to dive over with the metronomic Myler adding a difficult conversion.

Reihana almost followed up with a try of his own and centre partner James Downey twice went close, only to be held up close to the line by James and Faamatuainu.

Carlos Spencer missed a drop goal attempt as Saints tried to edge ahead but they were not to be denied, Myler it was with a dropped three-pointer from inside his own half to send the home faithful into a frenzy.

They must have thought the points were staying at the Garden when Reihana found forward replacement Soane Tonga'uiha, who charged through for Northampton's third try.

But the league leaders fought back to level the scores, Faamatuainu storming through to set up a tense final eight minutes.

And it was Saints who threatened to land the final blow, Spencer missing another drop-goal attempt in the 77th minute, but the visitors held on for a share of the spoils.