Tom Collins' hat-trick keeps Northampton in contention for play-off after 17-31 win over Newcastle

Newcastle Falcons 17-31 Northampton Saints, Kingston Park
Scorecard

Tom Collins scored a hat-trick as Northampton Saints keep play-off hope alive with a 17-31 win over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park on Friday.

The win has taken the Saints to the fourth place in the table with 51 points while Newcastle Falcons with 30 points are in danger of getting relegated after languishing at the bottom.

Tane Takulua started the proceedings for the Falcons with a sixth minute penalty goal but the visitors bounced back hard with Collins crossing over in the 9th and the 16th minutes while Dan Biggar kicked two conversions and a penalty goal to make the scoreline 3-17.

Cobus Reinach, who was involved in the opening try also played a pivotal role in Collins' third as the winger crashed in the corner before the break. Biggar's conversion meant the visitors looked intimidating with a 3-24 lead heading into the second half.

Dean Richard's men had a better start to the second half with tries from Rodney Ah You (48') and Takulua (55') to bring down the gap to seven points before replacement Alex Mitchell with a try in the 78th minute ensured a 17-31 win for the Saints.