Guinness Premiership

Northampton left it late, very late, but ultimately came from behind to snatch a dramatic 20-17 victory over the Worcester Warriors at Franklin's Gardens in their Guinness Premiership clash on Sunday afternoon.

Trailing 17-0 after 30 minutes, an error ridden start to the match put the highly-favoured home side under huge pressure. Worcester, to their credit, were clinical early on and were good value for their lead.

Both sides emerged from the changerooms looking ready to do battle but, kicking off, it was Worcester who were the team on the front foot early on.

An exciting opening ten minutes saw both sides have try scoring opportunities but neither able to make the most of them. Northampton were dominating the tight phases, with both Juandre Kruger and Courtney Lawes impressing early on. For the Warriors, Australian fullback Chris Latham was looking dangerous  and very secure under the high ball.

Out of nothing then, with 16 minutes gone, Worcester opened the scoring. A poor attempted kick through from Shane Geraghty was picked up by Alex Grove. Charging down the left, he combined well with his centre partner Greg King to create space for Miles Benjamin to run in the counter attack try. Willie Walker added the extra points and the Worcester led 7-0.

Just two minutes later and the Saints were underpressure again. Ben Foden, after collecting a Warriors kick, threw a shocker of a pass to nobody. Bruce Reihana tried to clean up but was penalised, handing Walker a simple shot at goal.

Sparked into action, Saints marched towards the Worcester line. A number of powerful charges by captain Hartley helped put Mallinder's men just five metres out once again. Poor composure around the base cost them though - conceding another penalty and allowing Worcester to relieve the pressure.

Their errors were soon punished further as Worcester were making the most of any and all of their chances. An dominant attacking scrum inside the Saints 22 put the Worcester on the verge of scoring before a sniping break from Kai Horstmann finished off the job.

With half an hour gone Northampton found themselves 17-0 down and desperate for some inspiration.

Finaly then, with just five minutes left in the half, Saints got their break. Former Newcastle Falcons captain Phil Dowson powering over after a brilliant break from Reihana had initially put the Saints on the front foot.

The an entertaining first half came to an end with the home side starting to dominate but the visitors still ahead on the scoreboard.

Picking up where the the first half ended, the start to the second half was frantic and exciting with Northampton clearly motivated by whatever Jim Mallinder had said at half time.

New signings Shane Geraghty and Dowson particularly were very prominent for the Saints although, once again, simply mistakes at cruel times cost Northampton dearly.

With 58 minutes on the clock Geraghty had a penalty shot to put the hosts within seven - he duly delivered and set up a fantastic final 20 minutes of the match.

Pat Sanderson and his troops continued to try and hit Northampton on the break but the momentum was very much with the home side, cheered on by their fans. Another Geraghty penalty on 63 minutes, the game was very much there for the taking if they could continue to dominate the possession.

Former Saints captain Reihana remained his teams greatest threat on attack. Breaking tackles and thriving on good service from the likes of Geraghty and Jon Clarke, the Kiwi was once again a key figure for his team.

Eventually the pressure told on the Worcester defence. Willie Walker, drifting offsides once too often for Craig Whites' liking, was yellow carded with eight minutes left on the clock.

Camping on the Worcester line, Northampton were awareded a number of penalties but chose to go for the try rather than take the points. Eventually their attacking intent was rewarded. With just two minutes left on the clock Reihana proved provider, making the final pass for Paul Diggin to finish.

Spreading the ball to the wing, the Saints created the space and an unselfish pass from Reihana sent Diggin through and handed the home side a the win.

On the balance of the game it was probably a fair result but, after battling courageously for 80 minutes, a single bonus point will feel like scant reward for Worcester's efforts.

The Scorers

For Northampton

Tries: Dowson, Diggin
Pens: Geraghty 2
Cons: Myler, Geraghty

For Worcester

The Teams:

Tries: Benjamin, Horstmann
Pens: Walker 2
Cons: Walker

Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Paul Diggin, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 Shane Geraghty, 11 Bruce Reihana, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson7 Neil Best6 Phil Dowson5 Juandre Kruger4 Courtney Lawes3 Santiago Bonorino2 Dylan Hartley (captain)1 Soane Tonga'uiha
Replacements: 16 Regardt Dreyer, 17 Brett Sharman, 18 Alex Waller, 19 Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, 20 Scott Gray, 21 Alan Dickens, 22 James Downey, 23 Chris Ashton

Worcester: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Alex Grove, 12 Greg King, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Ryan Powell, 8 Kai Horstmann, 7 Pat Sanderson (captain), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 3 Olivier Sourgens, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Matt Mullan
Replacement: 16 Adam Black, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Tevita Taumoepeau, 19 Graham Kitchener, 20 James Collins, 21 Jonny Arr, 22 George Crook, 23 Rico Gear

Referee: Chris White
Assistant referees: Ashley Rowden, Paul Dix
TMO: Brian Abrahams, Graham Hughes