Northampton followed up last week’s away win at Bedford with a home win over Ospreys to deliver a 100 per cent pre-season win record.
Although it’s not cool to brag about the score of friendlies there was a fizz to some of the encounters on the pitch which spilled over into pushing, shirt gripping, fixed grins and tiger-eyed forehead touching.
However both sides can go away having seen some pleasing outbursts of skill from their players and some wake-up slaps for their defences.
Pictures by Dave Ikin
With rolling substitutions taking place George Furbank was back for another stint at 10 with James Grayson joining the action during the second half. There is sure to be plenty of work ahead for these two talented footballers.
The home fans got their first look at the South African 8 Juarno Augustus who put in a solid shift alongside the more familiar faces of Tom Wood, Teimana Harrison and Captain Lewis Ludlam who scored a try.
Tom Collins has enjoyed a lively pre-season and followed up his scores at Bedford with two more against the Welshmen.
The dying seconds saw Saints proving that their defence can do the job and they held on for a win that felt deserved.
