SARACENS RODE OUT a spirited Northampton Saints effort to force their way into a Champions Cup semi-final spot with a 29 – 20 victory.
The home side at Allianz Park trailed until Chris Ashton launched himself into familiar pose with a 67th minute try. A slick move from right to left sending the flying wing through to swing the game from 12 – 13 to 19 – 13.
Northampton started off as the dominant side, and they could have been much further ahead than 6 – 10 had they displayed a more clinical attitude to finishing. With Will Fraser in the bin, Ken Pisi ran in the only try of the first half, taking a pass from the excellent number eight Teimana Harrison.
Farrell was flawless from the kicking tee and pulled his side back within a point with two penalties to Steven Myler’s one after half-time.
The result was barely in doubt after Ashton stormed in, but Farrell added a further penalty before Chris Wyles made the result and a semi-final against Wasps certain, leaving Courtney Lawes’ late try a mere consolation.
