Northampton Saints defeat Bath in tight contest

The Northampton Saints inflicted a first defeat of the season on Bath as they secured a 31-24 victory at Franklin's Gardens.

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The home side started the game well and pressured the Bath defence into conceding a penalty try, which also culminated in Luke Arscott being sent to the sin bin.

Northampton were in complete control of the game in the early stages and they extended their advantage when Calum Clark found a gap in the line and powered his way in for the score.

However, the visitors battled back and showed determination with 14 men to get on the board as prop David Wilson crashed through two defenders to register a score.

Stephen Myler and George Ford exchanged penalties before the break to leave the match evenly poised.

The Saints came out in the second half and began to surge ahead once more as second row Christian Day and George Pisi scores tries within minutes to put their side into an insurmountable lead.

Winger Olly Woodburn hit back for Bath with a try in the 60th minute to keep his side in the match, and Ford added the extras with his conversion.

Bath continued to show resilience as Nick Auterac brought the visitors within seven points, but they couldn't break through again as the home side held out for the win.