Northamton Saints edge close match with London Welsh

Northampton Saints have moved up to fourth in the Aviva Premiership after winning a closely fought game with London Welsh.

A messy first half saw errors from both sides. Saints conceded a penalty try after seven minutes, and were reduced to 14 men as GJ van Velze picked up his third yellow card of the season.

The visitors found themselves a man down after 22 minutes with Franck Montanella binned, and conceded a penalty try four minutes later to level the scores at 10-10.

Welsh were back to 15 men for just two minutes as Dan Caprice picked up the game's third yellow card for a high tackle on Jamie Elliott.

Ken Pisi helped Northampton take advantage of the extra man, running in a try just before half-time. Ryan Lamb and Gordon Ross added two penalties each in an otherwise quiet second half.

The win leaves Northampton in the playoff places, while London Welsh remain in tenth.