Tykes v Saints - The Corresponding Fixture

By From the Archives
November 15 2002

On the eve eve of the game between Saints and Leeds we look back to last season at Headingley. The Tykes had already disposed of Bath and were to go on to beat Sarries and the Unspoken Ones, but the Saints proved they were not ones to be scapled.

When Saints hot footed at Headingley

By Chris Gleadell
Date: 14/3/2002

Leeds 6 Saints 26
Headingley
Sunday 16th September 2001
Zurich Premiership

It was the proverbial game of four quarters. The Saints dominated the first twenty but failed to find any continuity in the following forty as Leeds regrouped and fought back. Finally though, as the home side tired, the Saints upped a gear and ran away with it towards the end. It should be noted though that the Saints defence that is rapidly becoming the best in the league, with only two (and one of those being very dubious) tries being conceded all season, held firm and apart from a couple of forays the Tykes attack barely threatened the Saints line.

The Saints dominated from the off and quickly Ben Cohen threatened down the flank before being held up. The ball was recyled through two further forward drives before John Leslie arrived on the scene to carve open a gap which youngster James Brooks took full advantage of to score under the posts. Like Leslie, Brooks was everywhere in the opening period and looks like he could very well be making the Saints No.10 shirt his own.

Larry converted then added a penalty as time after time the Leeds forwards killed the ball as the Saints attack ran them ragged.
Referee John Barnard finally issusued the yellow card to Cameron Mather he should have shown much earlier as Grayson gave the Saints a 16 point lead.

Much to the consternation of the travelling Franklins Faithful Jon Phillips was sent to the bin minutes later on the Saints very first offence. Phillips had only only been on the field for a few minutes after having to replace Frencman Olivier Brouzet who had been taken out in mid air to fall awkwardly on his shoulder. Although there was suspicion of dangerous play it was again unsighted by Mr Barnard..

The Brouzet injury seemed to affect the Saints and the floodgates that threatened to open early on were slammed shut for the next half hour.

Jon Benson cut the deficit by three points after JPs supposed misdemeanour as the Tkyes gradually took stock, regained composure and rallied. However despite all their efforts there was no way through the solid Gold, Black n Green wall while in the set piece the Leeds forwards struggled against the hefty Saints front five of Smith, Brotherstone, Budgen, Phillips and Newman.

Half time: Leeds 3 Saints 13

The first ten minutes of the second half were troubled times for the Saints. Leeds were starting to look the better side but unforced and mostly forced errors let them down at vital moments. Benson finally added a second penalty and now with the deficit at only a converted try away the Saints finally burst back into life. From the retake Andrew Blowers almost went over before yet again the Leeds defence came over the top to give Larry an easy three pointer to restore the ten point gap.

Sensing the home side were tiring the Saints drove deep into Tyke territory at will but it was now Northamptons turn for a passage of errors as again and again the tryline went begging.

The Saints were now rampant though and Grayson added another penalty before Ali Hepher carved a gap in midfield and after good work from Budge Pountney and Tom Smith , Ben Cohen who may earlier have had a hat-trick went over in the corner for the score.

Grayson converted to send the sizable Saints travelling support in the 4000 crowd home as happy as Larry!


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