Saints off to a flyer (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Saints off to a flyer

5:55pm Sunday 5th September 2010 in

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Northampton earned the early-season East Midlands bragging rights as tries from props Soane Tonga'uiha and Brian Mujati paved the way for a 27-19 Aviva Premiership win over champions Leicester at Franklin's Gardens.

Tonga'uiha crossed twice in the opening five minutes as Saints made a blistering start to lead 17-0 before Alesana Tuilagi's converted try got the visitors on the scoreboard before the break.

Leicester were left facing an uphill task, however, when Mujati touched down on the hour mark and while Scott Hamilton crossed twice late on, and Stephen Myler lost his radar, the hosts held on.

Bath established their title credentials with a comfortable 32-16 bonus-point victory against Leeds at a Headingley Carnegie.

Steve Meehan's men rarely hit the heights expected of them this season but they took their chances in clinical fashion and were certainly too good for their hosts.

Full-back Nick Abendanon touched down in the first half before Sam Vesty, Matt Carraro and captain Luke Watson added further scores after the break to secure the bonus point.

Leeds claimed a late consolation try through debutant hooker Steve Thompson.