Head coach Jim Mallinder praised Stephen Myler’s superb performance in a 23-13 win at Leeds Carnegie that sent Northampton back into the top four of the Aviva Premiership.
The fly-half scored 18 points, including a try, to help end Saints’ six-match losing streak at Headingley.
Mallinder said: “There was lots of questions asked of him, particularly over the ast few weeks, and he played well.
“He scored a try, kicked his points, not easy penalties, and you need somebody who will keep the scoreboard ticking over.”
Saints were also boosted by the return of scrum-half Lee Dixon from injury, and Mallinder was pleased to see his partnership with Myler. “When Lee Dixon plays, he gives real energy and tempo to the side, and he did that today,” Mallinder added.
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“Some of our attacking play looked a lot sharper and we got on the front foot and created quite a lot of opportunities.”
Northampton will also see the return of their international players from the Six Nations in time for their next league game as they push for a play-off place.
“We have lost a couple of games before with internationals, so it wasn’t all about them being here or not being here,” Mallinder added. “We knew we’d got a good enough side to win today, we worked really hard in the week.
“We’re pleased that we’ve got through this little part of our season. What we need to do now is build on it with gusto.”
Leeds remain rooted to the foot of the table, having played a game more than their nearest challengers, Newcastle Falcons. A try from Danny Paul and eight points from the boot of fly-half Adrian Jarvis were not enough to prevent yet another defeat.
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But head coach Neil Back was not impressed with referee Chris White.
“The tackle contest was very interesting in the interpretation and it negated either side having quick ball so it was a problem,” he said. “The law states the tackler must release and not stay on the ball and that didn’t happen but it slowed the ball down for both sides and made it fragmented and difficult.
“Also, the scrum was an issue. When the scrum goes round 90 degrees it’s either a penalty or it’s opposition ball, and it was a reset.”
Star man: Stephen Myler (Northampton)
Scorers: Leeds: Tries: Paul 73 Con: Jarvis Pens: Jarvis (2)
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Northampton: Tries: Myler 7, Diggin 65 Cons: Myler (2) Pen: Myler (3)
Referee: C White (RFU)
Attendance: 4,262
Leeds: M Stephenson; H Fa’afili, L Burrell, S Barrow (capt, S Tadulala, 62min), P Wackett; A Jarvis, S Mathie (W Fury 72min); G Hardy (M MacDonald 51min), S Freer (P Nilsen 51min), J Gomez (P Swainston 51min), D Browne, S Hohneck, K Myall, H Fourie, A To’oala Vaeluaga (D Paul 66min).
Northampton: S Geraghty; B Reihana, J Clarke, J Downey, P Diggin; S Myler, L Dickson (S Commins 72min); S Tonga'uiha (A Waller 72min), B Sharman (A Long 72min), B Mujati (T Mercey 72min); C Lawes, C Day; C Clark (M Easter 72min), P Dowson (capt), R Wilson.
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