Saints slip past Leeds

Northampton Saints managed a 14-7 Guinness Premiership win on Saturday following a laboured performance against Leeds Carnegie.

The Headingley Carnegie clash saw Saints dominate possession, but they failed to close out the victory until three minutes from time when Ben Foden grabbed a crucial try.

A determined Leeds side were able to claim a valuable bonus point as their battle to avoid relegation continues.

Strong

The home side made a strong start, having the better of the opening exchanges, but it was Saints who drew first blood after five minutes as Kearnan Myall was sin-binned for punching at a skirmish following a line-out and Stephen Myler kicked the resulting penalty.

The visitors missed a chance to extend their lead minutes later as Myler let a straightforward drop-goal opportunity pass him by before fumbling a simple penalty attempt.

Saints were forced to pay for not taking their chances as Leeds turned up the heat and were rewarded after 27 minutes when prop Juan Gomez went over for a close-range try, with Ceiron Thomas adding the extras.

Northampton stepped up a gear for the rest of the half, but Leeds maintained a solid defence to keep their 7-3 lead at the break.

The visitors came straight back after the restart as Myler reduced the advantage three minutes in with a penalty.

Saints had the opportunity to restore their lead soon after but Thomas' kick from halfway was way off target.

Northampton continued to take control of territory and possession but could not produce the finishes and tried to force too many passes.

Chance

The visitors landed a penalty chance 35 metres out, but it was another opportunity that went begging as Lee Dickson failed to deliver.

Saints finally got back in the game as Myler kicked them into the lead with 14 minutes remaining and then at long last they snatched the elusive try as Foden powered over three minutes from time.

Myler failed to convert from the touchline and Leeds took the bonus point as Saints closed out their patchy win.