charlie elliot
Northampton Saints beat Bath in a nine-length thriller at Franklin Gardens, with a last-gasp Fin Smith penalty giving the Saints a bonus-point 35-34 win over the league leaders.
The hosts started with purpose and wrapped up the bonus points inside the first 40 minutes, with Josh Kemeny, Fraser Dingwall, James Ramm and George Hendy all finishing before the break.
With tries from Joe Cokanasiga and Orlando Bailey midway through the first period, it wasn’t easy for the opposition to stay in the game and sail through.
Bath scored three attempts in the second half, courtesy of a Finn Smith penalty, and took a two-point lead with five minutes remaining thanks to a Finn Russell penalty. It appeared that Bass’ return would be complete.
Smith kept his cool with a well-taken penalty after 80 minutes that could have deservedly ended a thrilling match.
match action
It was all Saints to start the first half with four tries securing the bonus point and a 14-point lead.
Rory Hutchinson created the first try just a minute after he combined with Hendy to lob a lob for Josh Kemeny to cut inside and finish beautifully.
The hosts did not give up and play was recycled after Fin Smith chipped in and collected at the back and the ball went over for Fraser Dingwall and went into the corner.
James Ramm weaved his way through the Bath defense following a lineout on mid-on to ground to the right of the post as Smith got his second conversion of the game.
Bath’s counter-attack followed as Cokanasiga dived following a kick-off that was not covered by the Saints, and Bailey cut inside and got a hand before scoring a try, giving further hope of a winner.
The hosts regained control and earned a bonus point before the break as a wonderful Smith grubber kick found its way into Hendy’s hands for a catch, spin and down.
The scores looked comfortable after half-time, but Bath dominated the second half but were unable to capitalize on their chances before the break.
second half
Injuries for Northampton early in the first half caused some disruption and gave the visitors a chance to get back into the game.
Bath pro Will Stuart launched a comeback after dropping the ball on the ground following a close-range ruck. Less than 10 minutes later, a charge-down clearance saw the ball fall to Max Ojomah, who finished cleanly to close the gap to three points.
The comeback was complete as Cokanasiga sprinted away to give his team its first lead of the game.
Penalties for both sides gave Bath a two-point lead heading into the final whistle, but Fin Smith stepped up and scored a penalty to send Franklin Gardens into cheers and give the Saints their first win of 2025.
Read more: Premiership Team of the Week – Fin Smith and Tom Willis impress again to strengthen England’s case.
