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Saints Edge Bath in Thrilling 35-34 Showdown

Northampton Saints kicked off 2025 with an exhilarating victory over league leaders Bath Rugby, triumphing 35-34 at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring ten tries and a nail-biting finish that saw fly-half Fin Smith secure the win with a last-minute penalty.

The home side started strong, scoring three tries within the first 15 minutes. Josh Kemeny opened the scoring with a clever step infield, taking advantage of a tipped pass from Rory Hutchinson. Fraser Dingwall followed up with a second try after a well-executed attacking sequence, and James Ramm's impressive run from a lineout extended the Saints' lead to 19 points early on. Bath responded with tries from Joe Cokanasiga and Orlando Bailey, narrowing the gap but still trailing significantly.

Before halftime, Northampton managed to secure a bonus point when Smith's deft grubber kick found George Hendy, who spun over the line to make it 26-12 at the break. The second half saw Bath rally, with Will Stuart scoring their third try and Max Ojomoh capitalizing on a defensive error to glide over the line. Cokanasiga added his second try, allowing Bath to take the lead as Finn Russell's kicking kept them in contention.

Despite facing injuries to key players Alex Coles and Temo Mayanavanua, along with a yellow card for Alex Mitchell late in the game, Northampton displayed remarkable resilience. As the match neared its conclusion, Bath conceded a crucial penalty at the breakdown, giving Smith the chance to clinch the victory. The young fly-half maintained his composure, slotting the decisive kick and sealing a thrilling win for the Saints.

This victory not only boosts Northampton's confidence as they enter the new year but also highlights their capability to compete against top teams under pressure. Bath, while remaining at the top of the league, will need to address their defensive lapses in their upcoming matches.

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