SAINTS RULE WITH NO LAWES

Northampton 45 31

GARY FITZGERALD

COURTNEY LAWES is still affected by head-injury symptoms, five weeks after the incident that has left the England captain fighting to be fit for the opening autumn clash with Argentina.

The Northampton forward, however, still has a chance of making the game next Sunday according to his boss

Phil Dowson, who watched his side overwhelm Bristol Bears at Franklin’s Gardens.

Lawes (right) has not played since September 24 due to ongoing problems with the bang

Bristol

he received against Leicester Tigers. Dowson said: “It’s day by day with him. He still gets symptoms and we cannot move beyond that point until he is OK.

“If he feels brilliant on Monday and the England coach Eddie Jones wants him to play some minutes it’s up to him.”

Saints crushed Bristol with scrumhalf Alex Mitchell, who was close to an England call-up, outstanding.

Mitchell grabbed a brace while Ollie Sleightholme, lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matty Proctor and James Grayson also crossed for Saints.