Spencer sparks Saints rout

Carlos Spencer scored 19 points as Northampton hammered Overmach Parma.

Carlos Spencer scored 19 points as Northampton recorded a 68-21 hammering of Overmach Parma.

The former New Zealand international started the match at outside centre before taking over at fly-half after Stephen Myler went off through injury in the 12th minute.

By that stage Spencer had already had an impact on the game, scoring the visitors' opening try after just five minutes.

The positional switch allowed the Kiwi to become the fulcrum for a Saints rout though as they tore through their opponents with ease.

Paul Diggin, Chris Wyles, Steve Thompson and Mark Robinson all went in for first-half tries as the Guinness Premiership side wrapped up the bonus point by the break.

Spencer was on target with four first-half conversion attempts as they cashed in against the whipping boys of Pool Six.

The Italians did at least manage a try of their own before half time, Ezio Galon giving the home fans something to cheer about in the 10th minute.

They also scored two more after the interval as, with the points in the bag, Northampton took their foot off the gas.

Giovanni Ghidini and Mario Marc-Neethling crossed in a four-minute spell for Parma with Ricardo Robuschi converting both.

However, by that stage they had already conceded two more tries at the other end, Daniel Browne getting over four minutes after the re-start and Sean Lamont grabbing the first of his brace.

The Scottish winger went on to round off the scoring with the Saints' 10th try in the final minute after Diggin had also helped himself to a second in the closing stages.

Late Replacement Johnny Howard, who took over the kicking duties from Spencer, added the final conversion to take Northampton's total up to an impressive 68 points.