Saracens press for home semi-final with thrilling win over Northampton

Northampton Saints 25 - 27 Saracens, Franklin's Garden

Saracens overcame a scare from Northampton Saints as they won their Aviva Premiership encounter at Franklin's Garden by 25-27 to boost their chances of securing a home semi-final.

Harry Mallinder crossed over in the sixth minute to get things rolling for Northampton Saints with Stephen Myler adding a conversion. Saracens suffered a setback with a sin-bin to Duncan Taylor in the 16th minute following which Myler and Alex Lozowski exchanged two penalties each.

Northampton Saints had a slender lead of seven points at half time.

England skipper Dylan Hartley further pressed the ante with a touchdown at the start of the second half followed by a conversion from Mallinder but Saracens fought back with a double penalty from Lozowski.

Just as Ken Pisi further stretched Northampton Saints' lead, tries from Chris Ashton and Marcelo Bosch ensured the visitors completed a 25-27 victory.

The win also means Saracens continue to remain at third position with 72 points behind Wasps and Exeter Chiefs with 79 and 74 points respectively.