Northampton Saints move into top four with 24-6 win over Bath

Northampton Saints 24-6 Bath Rugby, Franklin's Gardens
Scorecard

David Ribbans scored a double as Northampton Saints completed a 24-6 bonus victory over Bath Rugby in their Aviva Premiership encounter at Franklin's Gardens.

Courtney Lawes, who led the Saints in the absence of Dylan Hartley led from the front with a third minute try but Harry Mallinder missed out on the conversion. Bath's reply came 23 minutes later with Rhys Priestland kicking back to back penalties to help the visitors claim a one-point lead.

However, Ribbans scored the first of his two tries at the stroke of half time and Mallinder's conversion meant the home side headed into the second half with a six point lead.

Bath also had injury concerns in the game with club captain Matt Garvey was forced off the field in the first half while Sam Underhill on his debut left the field late in the 68th minute with a nasty collision, leaving Bath down to 14 men as all their replacements had been used and they were unable to bring on a substitute for the remainder of the match.

Ribbans crossed over for the second time in the 52nd minute as Jim Mallinder's side stretched their lead to 11 points and their quest for the bonus point was completed when George North went past the line in the 74th minute while the fly-half slotted the conversion to seal an 18 point victory.

Northampton Saints are currently at fourth in the table while Bath slip to fifth following their first defeat this season.

For your latest betting news and deals please visit Betfred.