Saints late show sinks Bath
Northampton wing Chris Ashton went over for a last-minute converted try as the Saints snatched a dramatic 15-13 victory over Bath.
Last Updated: 05/12/09 5:28pm
Northampton wing Chris Ashton went over for a last-minute converted try as the Saints snatched a dramatic 15-13 victory over Bath at Franklin's Gardens.
The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for lowly Bath, who were leading for the majority of the contest until Ashton extended their winless run to seven matches.
But while the West Country side remain in the bottom two, Northampton collected their fifth straight home win in the Premiership to keep the pressure on leaders Saracens.
Saints fly-half Shane Geraghty put the hosts ahead in the 21st minute with a sweetly struck penalty but opposite number Nicky Little, restored to the starting line-up, levelled matters with an angled three-pointer five minutes later.
The opening try came on 34 minutes, former Wigan rugby league player Ashton collecting his own kick forward before grounding in the right corner.
Banahan sent off
Geraghty failed to convert, however a missed penalty from Little moments later eased the pain as the hosts took a 8-3 lead into the interval.
After some presumably strong words from coach Steve Meehan at half-time, Bath came out fired up for the second 40 minutes, and hit back through Shontayne Hape.
The Bath number 12 collected Little's pass on the right wing and burrowed over, with the fly-half adding the extras.
There was little between the sides in terms of possession as the half progressed, however a decisive moment came in the 66th minute when England's Matt Banahan was sent off for reckless rucking on Saints replacement kicker Stephen Myler.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the away side extended their lead with eight minutes remaining through the boot of Little.
But Bath suffered a heartbreaking end to the match when Ben Foden set free Jon Clarke, who sent Ashton over in the right corner.
It was then left to Myler to hold his nerve and win the match for Northampton with the conversion.
