Saints clinch Quins scalp
Second half-tries from Jon Clarke and James Downey secured Northampton a much-needed victory over Harlequins.
Last Updated: 20/12/08 6:42pm
Second half-tries from Jon Clarke and James Downey secured Northampton a much-needed 23-13 Guinness Premiership victory over high-flying Harlequins at Franklin's Gardens.
Quins, fresh from their memorable Heineken Cup double over Stade Francais, had looked in control at half-time as they opened up a 13-6 lead courtesy of an Ugo Moyne score.
However, indiscipline in the second period was to cost them dear as both Tani Fuga and Andy Gomarsall were sin-binned and Northampton took advantage to claim just their third league win of the season.
The Saints had the chance to move ahead as early as the second minute as Quins were punished for not rolling away, but Stephen Myler spurned the opportunity as his kick struck the cross-bar.
However, the fly-half maintained his composure and rediscovered his aim five minutes later to move his side 3-0 ahead with his second kick of the afternoon.
The visitors were quickly back on terms as last week's hero against Stade, Nick Evans, continued his impressive form with the boot when Northampton were penalised within range.
Myler landed another penalty on the 20-minute mark to edge the hosts back ahead, but it was short-lived AS England winger Moyne crossed for the game's first try shortly afterwards.
With both packs battling it out in the middle of the pitch, Gomarsall spotted an opportunity on the blind side and released Moyne who burst down the left to touch down unopposed.
Evans added the extras and then booted his second penalty just before the half-hour to ensure Quins were in charge at the break.
But Northampton were quickly level after the interval as Myler and Scott Gray combined to free Clarke who crossed within 60 seconds of the restart.
Myler kicked the conversion to square the contest at 13-13 and the visitors were soon a man light as Gomarsall saw yellow for a cynical block following a kick-ahead from Bruce Reihana.
Myler missed that penalty attempt, but was successful on 62 minutes as Fuga became the second Quins player to be binned as he deliberately killed the ball following a period of sustained pressure.
With the Quins hooker unavailable to throw, Northampton stole the ball at the next line-out to set up a decisive score from Downey from which Quins were unable to respond.
Evans had a couple of late chances to reduce the deficit with the boot, but sliced his efforts as Saints held on for victory.
