After two tough tests, Saints finally prevailed over Exeter Chiefs and got a much needed win last night at Franklin’s Gardens.
Saints were down 13 points after just 16 minutes but tries from George North and Aviva Premiership debutant Rory Hutchinson brought the home side back into the game and a last minute penalty from a level-headed Harry Mallinder secured the men in black, green and gold their first win on home soil.
“We needed a win,” Lawes told SaintsTV.
“We were pretty desperate for it to be honest. It’s great to come out here and get that. It was a bit close at the end there, just one point but it’s still four points for us and that’s a relief.
“Just little things went our way, I suppose. Still a few lapses in concentration cost us but we’ve got a lot to work on, a lot of positives to take and that’s the main thing.”
Hutchinson, who joined Lawes, was on the end of what may be the best try of the season so far to ensure his first Aviva Premiership game will be one he never forgets.
“It was a really good day for me. I was really happy with the opportunity and to get the win after a few losses was awesome.
“There’s not much to say about the try. George North is a special runner, you know what he does and he’s done it to many teams. Luckily I was on the end of a pass and got a lucky try.”
Lawes praised Hutchinson’s performance and said that the youngster’s performance is a fitting tribute to the Saints Academy and the quality of players that are coming through the club.
“It’s great, we’ve always had a very good academy coming through and Hutch here has proved the level that these guys are coming through at. We’re just looking forward to the future, we’ve got some good young stars coming through and it’s great for them.”
