By ROGER PANTING

Race winner: Tom Collins celebrates scoring his chip and chase try for Northampton
PICTURES: Getty Images

AFTER an indifferent performance in the first half, Northampton took the game by the scruff of the neck to keep up their hopes of a Premiership playoff spot.
The bonus point win brings them within one point of fourth placed Sale, but they will have to play a whole lot better if they are to secure their goal.
For most of a poor game, with skill at a premium, they lacked the spark to break down a stubborn Irish defence and were fortunate to secure a bonus point wit...