Resurgent Tigers overpower Saints in derby downpour

Four second-half tries from Leicester defeat Northampton in a feisty wet weather contest. A scuffle on the verge of half-time seemed to inspire the Tigers, who scored 25 second-half points without reply Tries: Blamire, Henderson, Carnduff, Steward Cons: Searle Pens: Steward, Searle Leicester Tigers gained revenge for their defeat in last season's Prem playoff semi-finals to defeat rivals Northampton Saints in torrential conditions at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. In a first half played at the mercy of the weather, neither team was able to find a rhythm, with James Pater's early opportunist try and Freddie Steward's long-range penalty the only scores on the board. But, inspired by a major scuffle on the verge of half-time, the Tigers subsequently dominated.

First, Jamie Blamire drove over from a rolling maul, before Cam Henderson barrelled his way through Saints tacklers to slide over in the corner. Faced with the onslaught, the shellshocked Saints were unable to prevent further tries from Finn Carnduff and Steward, as the visitors' wait for a league win at their near rivals stretches to four years. With the rain teeming down it was Saints who struck first. Playing with an advantage, Fin Smith's speculative kick ahead was spilled by Billy Searle allowing Pater to gather and score. As the penalty count escalated amid the squall, neither team was able