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Saints Go Top With 36-19 Win at Newcastle Despite Red Card

Youthful composure, highlighted by Fin Smith's kicking, steadied Saints after JJ van der Mescht's dismissal.

Overview

  • Northampton scored five tries through JJ van der Mescht, Alex Mitchell, Tommy Freeman, Edoardo Todaro and Alex Coles to claim a bonus point and move above Bath.
  • JJ van der Mescht was sin-binned before halftime, then shown a second yellow on 52 minutes for a high tackle on Boeta Chamberlain.
  • Newcastle twice closed to within two points, including after Stefan Coetzee's debut try, but Saints closed out the game 36-19.
  • Fin Smith kicked four conversions plus a late penalty, while Phil Dowson's switch to an extra forward helped steady the 14 men.
  • Newcastle's league drought extends to November last year, with coach Alan Dickens stressing the need to fast-track cohesion under Red Bull ownership.