Mitchell & Smith get Saints back on track

NORTHAMPTON swept aside a tame Newcastle team in a match that was over after just 15 minutes.

- ROB WILDMAN

After that bruising defeat by Saracens last week, Saints regained confidence by scoring four tries in an opening burst which flattened Newcastle.

“We were lucky to get nil,” conceded Newcastle boss Steve Diamond. He spelled out that his under-funded and small squad were unable to compete in every game and were still tired from a tough home match against Bath last week.

For the Saints, this victory by nine tries to nil gives fresh impetus to the defence of their Premiership crown which has looked distinctly wobbly.

And it was another good afternoon for potential England half-backs in Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith who look to be running into top form at the right time of the season.

Mitchell scored one of the six first-half tries while Smith landed six from six conversions. Both were taken off early to rest up for next week’s home clash against Bath.