Northampton Saints edge past valiant Harlequins to reclaim top spot

Northampton Saints have reclaimed top spot in the Aviva Premiership table by narrowly beating Harlequins 30-25 at Twickenham Stoop this evening.

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The hosts were ahead inside six minutes when George Lowe crossed over in the corner for the game's opening try, and Tim Swiel managed to consolidate his side's advantage by kicking over a penalty shortly after.

Stephen Myler split the sticks with a penalty of his own as the Saints began their response, while Samu Manoa levelled things up when he touched down following a rolling maul.

Despite having Salesi Ma'afu sin-binned for a high challenge, Meyler added three more points with the boot to extend the visiting side's lead heading into the interval.

George North capitalised on Manoa's charge down to add a second try for the Saints three minutes after the restart, with the sides trading a penalty apiece as Northampton took control.

Harlequins were given some brief hope when Jack Clifford crossed over after Swiel danced through the middle, but replacement Kahn Fotuali'i crossed over to put Northampton in command once more.

It was not all plain sailing for the league leaders, though, as Sam Twomey found the try line with three minutes left, although a valiant late push from Quins was not enough to deny their opponents in the end.