Saracens through to LV= Cup final after victory over Northampton Saints
Last Updated: 14/03/15 7:55pm
Saracens came from behind to defeat Northampton Saints 24-20 in a gripping LV= Cup semi-final at Allianz Park.
Northampton were totally dominant in the first period and deservedly led 13-5 at the interval, but Saracens launched a second-half rally to deprive Saints of a final appearance on their home patch.
David Strettle and Mike Ellery scored tries for Saracens, with Ben Spencer converting one and kicking three penalties and Nils Mordt dropping a late goal.
Sam Olver scored all of Saints' first half points, with a converted try and two penalties. Lee Dickson scored their second try, which was converted by Stephen Myler.
Having selected a strong pack that included Alex Corbisiero and Samu Manoa, Saints began strongly and took an early lead. Olver first made a hash of a drop goal attempt but he was on target with a penalty after six minutes.
Saints continued to dominate the opening quarter, Jamie Elliott knocking on with the line in sight, but they were rewarded when Olver fired over his second penalty with an excellent touchline kick.
Eventually Saracens secured some possession to get a platform into the match, and it resulted in the opening try.
Marcelo Bosch made a strong run to put the visitors' defence on the back foot before the centre was again involved when his skilfully timed pass sent Strettle through a large gap.
George Kruis came on for the injured Hayden Smith before Saints resumed control of the match. Kahn Fotuali'i again unlocked the defence to send Olver over for the try, which the fly-half converted to give them an eight-point lead at the break.
Within a minute of the restart, Ernst Joubert won a lineout and a pre-planned move put Ellery in space. The wing to ran past a number of defenders to score, with Spencer converting and then adding a penalty to put the hosts in front for the first time.
Assisted by the wind, Saracens were a totally different proposition and they went further ahead when Spencer knocked over two further penalties.
Saints introduced Myler and Dickson on the hour mark in an attempt to revive their fortunes and it soon paid dividends.
Dickson nipped over on the blindside following a driving line-out and Myler added the extras with a brilliant touchline kick.
Northampton threatened a comeback but a late drop goal from Mordt confirmed Saracens progress.
