Northampton Saints returned to the top of the Premiership table with an electrifying 66-21 victory over Harlequins, highlighted by a sensational 10-try display at Franklin’s Gardens. Alex Coles starred with a hat-trick, taking his try tally to six this season, while Danilo Fischetti, Alex Mitchell, Tommy Freeman, and Edoardo Todaro all crossed the line to complete a breathtaking attacking performance.
The result propels Northampton two points clear of Bath, who had briefly gone top following a dramatic win over Exeter earlier in the day. Meanwhile, Harlequins remain in eighth place, struggling to find consistency this season.
Northampton Dominate From Start to Finish
Despite conceding the opening try to Cassius Cleaves after a precise line split by Marcus Smith, Northampton’s offensive firepower quickly turned the game in their favor. George Hendy and James Ramm orchestrated a brilliant wing break, allowing Fischetti to score the Saints’ first try and set the tone for what would become a record-breaking performance.
“We scored some fantastic tries there, got the game going really fast and we’re dangerous when we’re like that,” said head coach Sam Vesty after the game.
Full-back Hendy continued his dazzling form, helping engineer the second try through quick offloading to Ramm, who then fed Coles for an unstoppable finish. Scrum-half Alex Mitchell also scored, showcasing Northampton’s fluid ball movement and clinical finishing.
Fischetti doubled his tally before half-time to secure the bonus point, while Harlequins managed only two further tries through Cleaves and Alex Dombrandt. At the interval, Saints led 33-14, demonstrating their dominance in both attack and structure.
Second-Half Brilliance Secures Complete Victory
The second half saw Northampton maintain control, even as the intensity dipped slightly. Coles and Todaro added further tries, with Todaro scoring twice after clever interplay with Hendy. Fin Smith also crossed following a fortuitous rebound from Anthony Belleau’s pass. Coles completed his hat-trick with the final try, cementing a record-breaking night for Saints.
The performance highlighted Northampton’s depth, speed, and tactical awareness, making them a formidable force in the 2025-26 Premiership season.
Injury Concerns Amidst Triumph
Saints did, however, face a scare when captain Fraser Dingwall was carried off in a neck brace close to half-time. Fortunately, Vesty confirmed Dingwall was alert and smiling after treatment, emphasizing the club’s cautious approach to player welfare.
“Fraser’s up and about and smiling, so all good in that respect. They [medics] are uber-careful, and if it takes five or six minutes (to treat a player), it’s the right thing to do,” said Vesty.
Harlequins’ Struggles Continue
Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore acknowledged the challenge of overcoming repeated heavy defeats.
“If you keep copping those defeats, it’s not going to be sustainable. It’s not just going to turn around overnight. We’ve got to step forward and get bodies back on the field because the injuries are magnifying things,” Gilmore said.
Despite moments of promise, including two tries from Dombrandt, Harlequins were unable to contain Northampton’s relentless attack, highlighting the gap between the teams in finishing, defensive organisation, and overall execution.
Key Players and Statistics
Northampton Saints: Hendy; Todaro, Freeman, Dingwall (capt), Ramm; F Smith, Mitchell; Fischetti, R Smith, Millar Mills, Coles, Van der Mescht, Kemeny, Pearson, Chick.
Tries: Fischetti 2, Coles 3, Mitchell, Freeman, Todaro 2, F Smith
Conversions: F Smith 8
Harlequins: David; Isgro, Northmore, Evans, Cleaves; M Smith, Friday; Hobson, Turner, H Williams, Pagadizábal, Treadwell, Cunningham-South, Kenningham, Dombrandt (capt).
Tries: Cleaves, Dombrandt 2
Conversions: M Smith 3
Referee: Sara Cox
Northampton Saints Return to Premiership Summit
With this emphatic win, Northampton Saints signal their intent to dominate the remainder of the season. Their attacking prowess, combined with tactical discipline and individual brilliance from players like Coles, Fischetti, and Mitchell, make them a team to watch as the Premiership title race heats up.
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