By Michael Smith
April 27 2002

Northampton took out their Powergen Cup disappointment on Saracens as the home team thumped the Men in Black 52-27, even Thomas Castaignede who returned from injury couldn’t reverse Saracens fortunes!

Thomas Castaignede made his long awaited return for the Men in Black, but not even this talented little Frenchman could halt the onslaught of an on-form Northampton Saints who were desperate to give their fans something to cheer about after a woeful performance in this years Powergen Cup final at Twickenham.

The game had hardly started when Northampton’s Nick Beal scored the first of the Saints six tries, five of which were successfully converted by Paul Grayson.

Sarries hit back after 26 minutes when Welsh International Tom Shanklin found a hole in the home sides defence, but almost instantaneously Northampton & England winger Ben Cohen responded to restore the lead for the home team.

Northampton’s young hooker gave Saracens the worst possible start to the second half as he went over the try line within the first minute.

Saracens showed some pride as Luke Harbut scored followed by Shanklin’s second of the afternoon, but Mark Soden and Rob Hunter increased the Saints impressive lead as Northampton continue there quest for Heineken Cup place for next season.

 

Final Score: Northampton Saints 52 Saracens 27

 

Scorers

Northampton Saints:

Tries: Beal, Cohen, Leslie, Richmond, Soden, Hunter
Cons: Grayson 5
Pens: Grayson 4

Saracens:

Tries: Shanklin 2, Harbut
Cons: Smith, Castaignede 2
Pens: Smith 2