Myler’s kicking boots earn Saints a gritty win at the Rec

Stephen Myler put on a impressive kicking display to help Northampton claim a 18-14 win at the Rec against Bath and climb to the top of the table before tomorrow’s games.
The Saints’ fly-half was under pressure to perform after a poor display last week but kicked 15 points without a miss to edge ahead of Ryan Lamb, who didn’t come on, in the race for the No.10 jersey.
The visitors came with a very pragmatic approach relying on their defence and set piece while Myler’s kicking game put them in the right part of the pitch.
Bath managed to go on the front foot at times but kicked the ball away too much and some poor decisions from Olly Barkley, who also missed eight points from the tee, prevented them from capitalising on good field position and eventually winning the game.
Nick Abendanon went over in the first minute of the game following a kick through from Ton Biggs to take a 5-0 lead.
Myler put Northampton on the board quickly after with a penalty but Barkley replied in kind to go 8-3 in front after 10 minutes.
Northampton put their kicking game in place and Myler added two more penalties to lead 12-9 at the break.
The fly-half extended the lead with his fifth penalty of the game but Barkley brought back the home side within a point with two penalties and 20 minutes to go.
Northampton controlled the field superbly and Tom May, who came in for the injured Ben Foden, slotted the a drop goal and eventually seal the win.
NICK VERDIER
Read more about the game as well as all the reactions in Sunday’s copy of The Rugby Paper.