Northampton Saints confirmed their place in the Gallagher Premiership play-offs with a record-breaking 94-33 victory over Bristol Bears at Franklin's Gardens. The hosts scored 14 tries, including four from George Hendy, and set a new league record for most points in a first half (61).
First-half dominance
The Saints started with intent, scoring within three minutes through Hendy after a long pass from Henry Pollock. Bristol briefly levelled through Harry Thacker, but Northampton quickly regained the lead with Rory Hutchinson touching down. Further tries from Callum Chick, Alex Coles, Archie McParland, George Furbank, Hutchinson again, Josh Kemeny and Hendy's second made it 61-14 at the break.
Second-half onslaught
Northampton continued their dominance after the interval, with Pollock and McParland adding scores before Hendy completed his hat-trick. Despite yellow cards for Ed Prowse and Bristol's Matias Moroni, Saints added tries through Sam Graham and Hendy's fourth. Bristol managed consolations through Luka Ivanishvili and Noah Heward, but the damage was done.
Reaction
Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson said: "We were very disappointed last week. We were well and truly hammered at Leicester and that hurt. I think you probably saw how much that hurt today." Bristol boss Pat Lam admitted: "That was probably the worst. Well done Saints, they were on fire. It was an embarrassing day and I've already apologised to our supporters."
The result leaves Bristol four points behind fourth-placed Exeter, severely damaging their play-off hopes.
