Ollie Sleightholme hat-trick inspires Northampton win over Bath

Northampton Saints 71-48 Bath Rugby, DPD Stadium at Franklin's Gardens

Northampton Saints claimed a remarkable 71-48 win over Bath in a try-filled Gallagher PREM clash at DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

Ollie Sleightholme scored a hat-trick as Saints ran in 11 tries in a breathtaking attacking display. Bath contributed seven tries of their own and led at half-time, but Northampton’s second-half surge eventually proved too much.

The match produced 119 points, making it the second-highest scoring game in league history.

Bath Edge Wild First Half

The opening stages were scrappy, but the match quickly burst into life. Northampton struck first when Rory Hutchinson opened up space and released Fin Smith, who finished the move.

Bath responded with two quick tries. Arthur Green’s break through midfield helped set up Tom Carr-Smith, before Carr-Smith then turned provider for Charlie Griffin to score near the left corner to make it 5-14.

Saints hit back with a superb team try. Alex Mitchell’s one-handed pass released Tommy Freeman, who found James Pater, and Pater’s looping pass sent Sleightholme over.

Northampton then moved ahead when Josh Bayliss was shown a yellow card and Saints quickly made the extra man count. Smith fixed the defence and released Freeman to score under the posts making it 19-14.

Bath Hit Back Before Break

Bath refused to fade and regained momentum before half-time. Archie Griffin powered over from close range before Kepueli Tuipulotu’s break helped send Green into the left corner.

Saints responded again through Fraser Dingwall, who changed his running line brilliantly to cross between the posts and bring the scores level making it 26-26.

But Bath had the final word of the half. They won a central scrum penalty, and Finn Russell kicked the three points to give the visitors a narrow lead at the break.

Saints Take Control After Restart

Bath started the second half strongly and extended their lead after retaining the kick-off. A long spell of carries ended with Green scoring his second try from close range.

Northampton replied through Pater, who reacted quickly to a loose ball and raced in from halfway. Bath hit back almost immediately through Santiago Carreras, who made up for the earlier error by scoring himself.

The game continued at a frantic pace. Kemeny crossed after another sharp Saints attack, before Mitchell restored Northampton’s lead with a clever kick ahead and regather taking scoreline to 45-41.

Sleightholme Completes Hat-Trick

Northampton then began to pull away. Sleightholme scored his second try after a break that started inside Saints’ own 22, and he remained a constant threat in open field.

Bath were reduced to 14 when Ollie Lawrence was sent to the sin bin, and Sleightholme soon completed his hat-trick.

Bath still found a response through Bayliss, who scored near the left corner, but Saints answered quickly again. Alex Coles crossed to take Northampton beyond 60 points before Freeman added his second try of the afternoon, sealing an extraordinary win.