Saints see off resilient Leeds
March 16, 2002

Powergen Cup finalists Northampton held off a spirited second half fight-back from Leeds to post five crucial points in a 34-14 victory over Leeds.

Northampton opened up a 27-0 lead after 50 minutes but were rocked by two Dan Scarbrough tries midway through the second half.

However, a late score from John Leslie secured the win for the Saints and brought with it the vital bonus point.

Newcastle were beaten at Franklins Gardens in the Cup semi-final by a rampant first-half display and first-half tries from Dan Richmond, Peter Jorgensen and Nick Beal, all of which were converted by Paul Grayson, gave them another healthy lead.

But Leeds, on the back of two successive wins, responded through full-back Scarbrough, who was this week named in the England A squad to play Wales.

He ran in tries for the Tykes in the 53rd and 63rd minutes, both of which were converted by Braam Van Straaten, as the visitors showed the resolve that has lifted them off the bottom of the Zurich Premiership.

But the Saints advantage was too great for Phil Davies' side to haul in and Grayson, who also landed two penalties, converted Leslie's late try to put the issue beyond doubt.

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