Northampton triumphed over the league leaders, Bath, in a thrilling match.

Northampton triumphed over the league leaders, Bath, in a thrilling match.

Gallagher Premiership

Northampton (29) 35

Tries: Kemeny, Dingwall, Ramm, Hendy Cons: Smith (3) Pens: Smith (3)

Bath (19) 34

Tries: Cokanasiga (2), Bailey, Stuart, Ojomoh Cons: Russell (3) Pens: Russell

In a thrilling encounter at Franklin's Gardens, reigning Premiership champions Northampton Saints triumphed over current leaders Bath with a score of 35-34, clinching victory with the final kick of the match.This contest mirrored last season's Premiership final, as the Saints exerted significant pressure during a frenetic first half, marked by early tries from Josh Kemeny, captain Fraser Dingwall, and James Ramm.Bath responded with tries from Joe Cokanasiga and Orlando Bailey, but George Hendy added a fourth try for the Saints. The visitors fought back with tries from Will Stuart, Max Ojomoh, and a second from Cokanasiga, yet a last-minute penalty from Finn Smith secured the win for Northampton.Bath continues to lead the standings, holding a six-point advantage over Bristol, while Northampton remains in eighth place, 15 points clear of Exeter, who are positioned just above the bottom.The home team wasted no time in opening the scoring, as full-back Hendy capitalized on space along the touchline, allowing Kemeny to evade the final Bath defender and score beneath the posts.With momentum on their side, the Saints struck again almost immediately. Smith retrieved his own kick within the Bath 22, and with the defense stretched, scrum-half Alex Mitchell delivered the ball to Dingwall, who crossed the line unchallenged.Bath, initially taken aback, quickly regained their composure and responded. Following patient build-up play from fly-half Finn Russell and Bailey, Cokanasiga found a narrow opening to score in the corner.As the penalty count against the home side increased, Bath capitalized once more. Russell executed a precise pass that drew in the Saints' defense, enabling Bailey to surge through for a try.However, Phil Dowson's side remained relentless in their offensive efforts, securing a well-deserved fourth try before halftime as Hendy crossed the line.Bath sought to bridge the gap and made strategic substitutions early in the second half, which quickly proved beneficial.Stuart powered through from close range after a sustained offensive effort against the Saints' defense, marking the away side's third try.After continued pressure within the hosts' 22, Ojomoh managed to break through, thanks to an excellent offload from Sam Underhill, allowing Bath to take the lead for the first time with a try from Cokanasiga.Miles Reid charged down Rory Hutchinson's kick and subsequently passed to the speedy winger, who sprinted in from the halfway line.In the final ten minutes, Smith and Russell exchanged penalties, resulting in three lead changes as Bath appeared poised for a remarkable comeback victory at 34-32. However, Smith's late score secured the win for the Saints, prolonging Bath's quest for a victory at the Gardens.Phil Dowson, director of rugby for Northampton Saints, commented to BBC Radio Northampton:"It was an excellent match. It could have easily gone either way, even though we were ahead 19-0 after just 15 minutes. I am very pleased with the team's effort—plenty of heart, grit, and resilience."We discussed our previous slow starts against Gloucester and Saracens, and we focused on that. Credit goes to the players for their immediate engagement in the game.

Regarding the last-minute victory:

"To endure that many phases, earn a penalty, and for Finn to convert it—this reflects the character of the team."Johann Van Graan, head coach of Bath, shared his thoughts with BBC Radio Bristol:"That was an incredible match. Losing in the final moments is always disappointing."The game lasts 80 minutes; they began strongly, we responded, they countered, and we dominated the second half. They took the lead with two minutes remaining due to a decision made late in the game. Had that call gone our way, we would have emerged victorious."I have little to say about the decision itself; it is ultimately the referee's judgment. From my perspective, we will accept the two points and move forward."

Bath: Bailey; Cokanasiga, Lawrence, Ojomoh, Muir; Russell, Spencer (capt); Obano, Dunn, Stuart; Roux, Molony, Pepper, Reid, Barbeary.

Replacements: Tuipulotu, van Wyk, du Toit, Ewels, Underhill, Schreuder, Bayliss, Coetzee.

Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe