Red Bulls improve, but are still falling short

NORTHAMPTON director of rugby Phil Dowson admitted his side “let Newcastle in” at times during their 36-19 Gallagher Prem victory at Kingston Park.

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Simon Benitez Cruz feeds the ball during Friday's defeat

A positive start saw JJ van der Mescht and Alex Mitchell score for Saints before Oli Spencer and Amanaki Mafi responded either side of a Van der Mescht yellow card.

Tommy Freeman scored on the stroke of halftime for the visitors but they were handed another blow when Van der Mescht got a second yellow, resulting in a 20-minute red card at the start of the second half.

Stefan Coetzee pulled one back for Newcastle but Saints saw the game out when Edoardo Todaro and Alex Coles crossed either side of Fin Smith’s penalty.

Newcastle entered the game on the back of a bruising 57-5 defeat to Sale and Dowson knew his side would face a tough test.