Northampton Saints survived a spirited comeback to beat London Irish 36-21 at Franklin's Gardens this afternoon.
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The rampant Saints raced into a healthy 24-0 half-time lead, as two converted tries from winger Jamie Elliot and another from Kahn Fotuali'i gave the hosts a commanding advantage at the break.
It was as you were early in the second half as prop Salesi Ma'afu touched down, before fly-half Stephen Myler missed his first conversion of the afternoon to preserve the 29-point deficit.
Andy Fenby crossed for the visitors on 58 minutes for what seemed like a mere consolation, but further converted tries from Shane Geraghty and flanker Jebb Sinclair reduced the arrears to just eight points with 13 minutes to play.
However, Alex Waller added another converted score late on as Jim Mallinder's side moved within seven points of leaders Saracens in the Aviva Premiership table.
Shane Callaghan
