Northampton Saints edge Newcastle Falcons 35-34 in Premiership thriller

Newcastle Falcons 34-35 Northampton Saints, Kingston Park

Northampton Saints snapped their long-standing away drought in the Gallagher Premiership with a thrilling 35–34 win over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.

In a game that swung dramatically between the two sides, the Saints built a commanding first-half lead only to be pushed to the brink by a ferocious second-half Falcons fightback.

Newcastle made the ideal start when Jamie Blamire touched down for the opening try, converted by Brett Connon, to give the home side a 7–0 lead. A Connon penalty later extended that margin to 10–7 after the Saints had struck back through Craig Wright, whose try was converted by Rory Hutchinson.

Then came a blitz from the visitors. Luke Green powered over for his first try in Saints colours, before Fin Smith, who had come on midway through the half, finished off a sweeping move of his own. Smith, now controlling the game with composure, also slotted the conversions.

Moments before the break, debutant Will Glister marked his first appearance with a try, and Smith’s flawless kicking made it 28–10 at halftime. Saints had scored 21 unanswered points and looked in full control.

Whatever was said in the Newcastle dressing room at the break clearly sparked a reaction. Connor Doherty scored early in the second half to begin the comeback. But Saints hit back almost immediately through Tom James, whose try and Smith’s conversion made it 35–15.

From there, it was all Falcons. Alex Hearle, Ben Stevenson, and Max Pepper all dotted down in a frenetic final quarter.

With the score at 35–34, the home side came within inches of a famous comeback, but crucially, conversions were missed along the way — and it ultimately proved the difference.