Resurgent Tigers overpower Saints in derby downpour

Leicester Tigers beat Northampton Saints in a rain-soaked derby at Welford Road, avenging their defeat in last season’s Premiership play-off semi-final. A first half disrupted by the weather was followed by a dominant Tigers performance after a scuffle just before the break, as they scored 25 unanswered points.

James Pater opened the scoring for Saints after a spilled kick, and Freddie Steward replied with a long-range penalty. Jamie Blamire, Cam Henderson, Finn Carnduff and Steward scored second-half tries; Steward and Billy Searle added conversions and penalties. Leicester moved to second in the league, while Northampton fell to fourth and extended their wait for a league win at Leicester to four years.