Lam hails 'brilliant' first-half show in win against Saints

BRISTOL head coach Pat Lam described his side's first-half performance as "brilliant" as they racked up 35 unanswered points on their way to 46-12 win over previously-unbeaten Northampton at Ashton Gate.

- The Press Association

After Saints wing Edoardo Tordo was red-carded for a dangerous tackle in the air in the first minute, Bears blew their visitors away with five first-half tries before Saints became more competitive after the break.

Scrumhalf Kieran Marmion touched down twice, while Tom Jordan, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Aidan Boshoff and Luka Ivanishvili also crossed, with Sam Worsley kicking five conversions and two penalties for a match tally of 16 points.

JJ van der Mescht and Tom Litchfield scored Saints' tries, one of which Fin Smith converted.

Lam said: "I'm really proud of the boys as we fought for everything, with the first half being brilliant.

"I'm a bit miffed we didn't win the second half as we started it badly by conceding two early penalties and that gave them an early opportunity to get on the scoreboard.

"Another penalty against us resulted in another try and they looked on for a bonus point, but we managed the last 20 minutes really well.

"As a result we got the outcome we wanted, five points against the top-of-the-table side and them leaving with nothing."

Welsh wing Louis Rees-Zammit came on as an early replacement for the injured Jack Bates.

He said: "I'm really enjoying it back in the Premiership and, after some disappointing results last season, we wanted to make Ashton Gate a fortress again.