Northampton Saints overpower Saracens in high-scoring clash

Northampton Saints produced a thrilling attacking performance at Franklin’s Gardens, defeating Saracens 43–31 in a match packed with tries and drama.

Tommy Freeman’s four-try haul stole the headlines, while Saracens’ discipline faltered at crucial moments.

The hosts struck first through George Hendy in the seventh minute before Tom Pearson added a second try ten minutes later, with Fin Smith converting.

Freeman then crossed in the 24th minute to extend Saints’ lead. But Saracens responded, with Fergus Burke and Jack Bracken finding gaps to keep their side in touch.

The game turned on the stroke of half-time. With Tom Pearson shown a yellow card in the 40th minute, Saracens capitalised as Juan Martín González powered over in the added minutes and Farrell convering, sending Saracens into the break with a narrow 19–17 lead.

The second half began with Hugh Tizard’s 45th-minute try, Farrell adding the extras. But Saracens’ momentum was broken when Marco Riccioni saw yellow in the 54th minute. Saints punished them ruthlessly: Pearson crossed for his second try, converted by Smith, before Freeman struck again in the 59th minute, with Smith perfect from the tee.

Freeman wasn’t finished. He added another in the 67th minute and capped his night with a fourth try in the 73rd, though Smith missed the final conversion attempt. Max Malins’ effort in the 70th minute kept Saracens within reach, but it was not enough to deny Saints a statement victory.

With seven tries to their name, Northampton outgunned the reigning champions in every department. Freeman’s finishing, Pearson’s physicality, and Smith’s control from fly-half underpinned a 43–31 result that will be remembered as one of Saints’ finest attacking displays.