Northampton beat Leicester to reach PREM final

Northampton Saints 45-31 Leicester Tigers, cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens

Northampton Saints reached a major final for the third season in a row after beating East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers 45-31 in a thrilling Gallagher PREM play-off at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

Playing in front of a loud home crowd, Saints again made their home advantage count. The win extended their strong run at home, where they have lost only three front-line games in more than three seasons.

Litchfield Sets The Tone Early

Northampton started quickly and were rewarded inside the opening minutes. Rory Hutchinson and Henry Pollock helped move the ball at pace into Leicester territory before Archie McParland found Litchfield, who raced clear for the opening try.

Leicester responded when Hanro Liebenberg forced his way over after a forward pass had stopped an earlier chance close to the line. Billy Searle missed the conversion, leaving Saints narrowly ahead at 7-5.

The Tigers then moved in front after a scrum penalty gave them field position. Freddie Steward rolled out of a tackle and reached over to score, with Searle converting to make it 7-12.

Saints And Tigers Trade First-Half Blows

Northampton hit back with two quick tries. Litchfield scored his second after Hutchinson’s grubber caused confusion in the Leicester defence, allowing the centre to ground the loose ball.

Freeman then produced a fine finish after Fin Smith spotted space, kicked ahead and allowed the winger to control the ball with his boot before diving over. Smith converted to stretch the lead.

Saints thought they had another when Pollock dived over, but the try was ruled out because he was in front of the kicker. Leicester punished that let-off when a high tackle gave them entry into the 22. Searle then sent a low crossfield kick to Ollie Hassell-Collins, who gathered and scored. Searle converted to cut the gap making it 21-19.

Northampton had the final say before half-time. After a turnover from Pollock and a strong attacking spell, Litchfield powered over to complete his hat-trick and give Saints a seven-point lead at the break.

Furbank Helps Saints Push Clear

Saints again started strongly after the interval. Litchfield was denied a fourth try in the corner, but Northampton kept the pressure on. Emmanuel Iyogun carried hard, the ball was recycled quickly, and Hutchinson produced a clever reverse pass before Smith fed George Furbank, who burst through to score in his final home game in a Saints shirt.

Leicester replied through Orlando Bailey, with Searle converting to keep the Tigers within seven points at 33-26.

The visitors then enjoyed a strong spell of territory and possession, but Northampton’s defence held firm. Elliot Millar Mills appeared to have scored what would have been his first try for the club, but the TMO ruled it out for a knock-on in an earlier ruck.

Saints still had enough control to close out the contest and keep alive their push for a second PREM title in three seasons.