Geraghty inspires crushing win

An inspired performance from Shane Geraghty helped Northampton to a 30-10 bonus-point victory over Leeds at Franklin's Gardens.

Fly-half Geraghty scored one try, set up two more and added a further seven points with the boot during the Saints' win over the bottom-of-the-table club in the Guinness Premiership.

In contrast, the only score in what was a brave performance by the visitors came courtesy of Ceiron Thomas and was converted by Henry Paul.

The Welshman also slotted over a penalty in the second minute but it was just one of three awarded to Leeds in the opening 15.

Breakdown battle

Leeds did not start like a team struggling at the bottom of the league, though, and dominated a ferociously-contested breakdown area.

But the hosts, led by Geraghty, who could start at inside centre for England in the autumn internationals, gradually fought their way into the game.

The 23-year-old made amends for a missed eighth-minute penalty when he latched on to a pass from Lee Dickson and cruised down the right to score.

His conversion hit the post but a deft grubber by the number 10 and some neat handling by recipient Chris Mayor put centre Jon Clarke over the line soon after.

The try was the first of three in a five-minute spell that blew Leeds away and saw Northampton secure their bonus point with eight first-half minutes still on the clock.

They crossed again following more good work under pressure by Geraghty, who lofted a left-footed kick to the left corner for Clarke to collect and ground.

The fourth was a superb team try, Ben Foden, Bruce Reihana, Mayor all combining for Chris Ashton to romp in under the posts.

Solitary try

Leeds' reply came on the stroke of half-time when Thomas arrived on the shoulder of Jonny Hepworth to go over for the visitors' solitary try.

With the bonus point already secure and the win all but sealed, Northampton appeared to drop the pace in a far-from intense second half.

However they still managed to increase their buffer with a 57th minute penalty from Geraghty that put his side 27-10 up.

Reihana booted a 50-yard penalty to increase the lead to 20 points and rub more salt into the wounds of a Leeds' side who remain rooted to the bottom.