Hartley the try hero as Saints storm back

DYLAN HARTLEY scored a try on his home comeback as Northampton got their season up and running last night. England hooker Hartley was making his first appearance at Franklin’s Gardens after five months out with concussion. The 32-year-old, who was on the bench for last night’s clash, touched down from a rolling maul 10 minutes after coming on as a second-half replacement. Dan Biggar impressed with a 17-point haul from the boot as Saints bounced back from a 27-16 defeat at Gloucester last Saturday. The foundations for this hardfought win were laid down by a fearsome forward display, with young Englandqualified lock David Ribbans putting in a man-of-thematch performance alongside Courtney Lawes. Fresh from his man-of-thematch display in Quins’ 51-23 demolition of Sale, Marcus Smith fired the visitors into a 3-0 lead with a penalty after eight minutes. The home pack took control for the rest of the first half, however, with three Biggar penalties giving them a 9-3 lead at the break. Biggar fired over another penalty before Hartley (above) replaced James Fish in the 46th minute. It took Quins 50 minutes to visit Northampton’s 22 but they made the most of it as Danny Care pounced from close range. The Saints response was almost immediate as Hartley touched down for his first try in nine months, with Biggar adding the extras. A brilliant breakaway effort from substitute Quins fly-half James Lang ensured a nervy finish but Biggar’s fifth penalty of the evening sealed the win.