Decision To Play Twice In Two Days Backfires

TOM Stephenson made a triumphant try scoring return for Northampton in this one-sided friendly at Franklin’s Gardens.

- Steve Kenny

Stephenson put himself back on track after he was carried off in a pre-season match last August when he broke his right leg against Rotherham.

This was his first 15-aside opportunity for Saints since then after his long rehabilitation was aided by a stint in Sydney playing for Randwick.

And he made it a day to remember by bustling over for Northampton’s first of 11 tries in the seventh minute after Dragons had scored first through centre Adam Warren.

“It’s great to be back and the leg is feeling good again which is good news,” Stephenson said.

Stephenson hopes he is set for an injury-free stretch as the game against Rotherham had been another ‘comeback match’ having damaged his foot the previous season.

“The aim now is to get back playing regularly,” Stephenson said about his chances of forging his way into the competitive Saints squad.