Grayson’s late show as Saints win a thriller
IN the same week their documentary Prep to Win was released, harlequins again proved why they have box office appeal only to be beaten at the last in yet another Gallagher Premiership classic.
tabai Matson’s men strode the red carpet in Brixton for the Amazon premiere on tuesday and days later, it looked like they would complete a thrilling win.
instead, Northampton came up with a late salvo as James Grayson’s monster penalty secured victory for the Saints by the narrowest of margins in a game which was played with uncontested scrums for almost three quarters of its duration.
A four-try, bonus-point win consolidates Northampton’s place in the top four and means defending champions harlequins are not yet sure of a play-off spot.
A big Northampton crowd held a minute’s applause before kickoff to honour their former player, Scotland and British and irish Lions prop tom Smith, who died earlier this month.
the hosts — with Courtney Lawes fit to start — were full of intent from the off and had four tries to their name by the end of a thrilling first period in which Quins also played their part.
First, Api Ratuniyarawa brilliantly stole a Quins lineout. Cadan Murley did get back to alleviate the danger but from the goal-line drop out Saints were not to be denied. Captain Lewis Ludlam was the creator and tommy Freeman finished with ease.
harlequins hit back immediately, Andre Esterhuizen waltzing over from a short huw Jones pass. Saints scrum-half Alex Mitchell was only denied a try by a brilliant cover tackle from Danny Care. Northampton lost four forwards to first-half injuries but their intent was obvious and Ludlam soon crossed for a second. Grayson converted again before Freeman went clear.
Marcus Smith responded with a simple penalty but Northampton’s rugby was a joy to watch. Ludlam brushed off Quins tacklers like flies. Matt Proctor only had to collect Grayson’s kick to the corner to score but he slipped with a try certain.
Saints prop Conor Carey had been injured in the process of Care tackling Mitchell and when his replacement Paul hill was forced off for a head injury assessment after colliding with Lawes, the game moved to uncontested scrums for safety reasons.
England fly-half Smith packed down at No 8 for the first of those set-pieces but it was not long before Saints were over again. this time it was George Furbank with the expert running line.
there was no let-up in the entertainment. With little on, Smith cross-kicked to Joe Marchant who did brilliantly to collect on the touchline, chip ahead, and pop inside for Jones.
there was still time before the break for Northampton’s fourth, replacement Alex Waller crashing over between the posts.
Alex Dombrandt and harlequins grabbed the first try of the second half. Murley crossed in the corner for the visitors’ fourth and his 13th league try of the season. two kicks from Smith put Quins ahead for the first time although Grayson responded with three points.
harlequins lost Santiago Garcia Botta to a yellow card for a high tackle on Furbank, who had to depart for an HIA. Quins now had to show they have bottle as well as class. Smith moved to flanker for one scrum and Northampton built up a head of steam.
it was one which was repelled until Grayson stepped up from just inside his own half to win it after harlequins were penalised at the breakdown.