Northampton hold nerve to edge Leicester in Derby

Northampton Saints secured a hard-fought 32-26 victory over local rivals Leicester Tigers in a pulsating Gallagher Premiership derby that had intensity, drama, and plenty of momentum swings.

Fin Smith and Anthony Belleau were central to Northampton’s triumph, while Leicester’s persistence kept the game alive until the final whistle.

The Tigers struck first through Billy Searle, who kicked a penalty in the opening minute to give his side an early lead. Northampton responded with a well-worked try in the 11th minute as Fin Smith darted over the line before adding the conversion himself to make it 7-3.

Leicester hit back quickly when Freddie Steward powered across in the 18th minute, with Searle converting to edge the visitors ahead 10-7. The Saints, however, kept their composure, and Edoardo Todaro finished off a strong attacking phase in the 33rd minute to restore their advantage at 12-10, although Smith missed the conversion.

The first half continued at a relentless pace. Searle’s boot put Leicester back in front at 13-12 with a penalty in the 37th minute, but Northampton struck again just before the interval. Tom Pearson crashed over for a vital try in the 40th minute to give the home side a 17-13 lead at the break, though Smith’s conversion attempt struck the post and went wide.

Leicester came out strong after the restart. Harry Wells drove over in the 45th minute, and Searle converted to turn the tables once more at 20-17.

The fly-half then extended the lead to 23-17 with a penalty on 55 minutes. But Northampton had the perfect response. Anthony Belleau scored the first of his two tries in the 50th minute, although Smith was again off target from the tee.

Ten minutes later, Belleau struck again in the 60th minute, this time with Smith successfully converting to give Saints a 29-23 lead and shift momentum firmly their way.

With Ashton Gate roaring them on, Northampton pressed their advantage. Smith extended the lead with a penalty in the 68th minute to make it 32-23.

Leicester refused to fold, and James O’Connor slotted a penalty in the 71st minute to reduce the deficit to six points. The Tigers pressed for a late breakthrough, but the Saints’ defence held strong, closing out a derby victory that showcased both resilience and clinical finishing.