Northampton edge out 14-man Bath in thriller to win title

LONDON :Northampton Saints struck late to beat Bath 25-21 at Twickenham and win their first Premiership title in a decade, despite trailing in the dying minutes against 14-man opponents who dominated swathes of an intense final on Saturday.

Scrumhalf Alex Mitchell broke Bath hearts with a fine score following a brilliant break by substitute George Hendy to clinch victory for Northampton, after Bath had battled back from a 22nd-minute red card for Beno Obano.

The England prop, who stayed high as he clattered into Northampton number eight Juarno Augustus, left referee Christophe Ridley with little choice and Bath with a mountain to climb.

Northampton opened up a healthy 15-3 lead through tries from wingers Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme, and seemed set to march to the title before Bath put in a second-half performance for the ages.

"Scoring that try was massive, I was just there to finish it off after George Hendy took on about five other boys, I didn’t have to do much," Mitchell said.

"We were actually a bit off it today but we found a way and now we’re champions so I’m delighted," the England scrumhalf added.

Prop Thomas du Toit had given Bath hope just before the break, barrelling over from short range to drag the deficit back to 15-10 after Finn Russell nailed the touchline conversion.

Behind on the scoreboard and down a player, Bath needed to start the second half strong and their talisman Russell duly delivered, earning a penalty with a lovely dummy and half-break that forced Saints into a breakdown infringement.

MAVERICK PLAYMAKER

The maverick playmaker was on top form, exemplified by a pinpoint 50-22 touchfinder to keep the pressure on and Bath levelled the scores at 18-18 when Will Muir leapt to claim a high kick