Just as Exeter had done at Franklin’s Gardens in Round 7, the Saints came out all guns blazing in the opening half-hour at Allianz Park, putting three tries past Saracens and building up a 22-3 lead.
James Wilson scored the first two, finishing off a superb Luther Burrell pass and delicately weighted Lee Dickson grubber kick respectively, and when Dickson got physical with Billy Vunipola to force the ball loose, Dowson was there for try number three.
As Saracens slowly clawed their way back into the contest the parallels with the previous week continued, especially as despite scoring twice just past the hour through Chris Wyles the hosts found themselves within striking distance.
However a late penalty from man of the match Stephen Myler sealed the points, and Dowson said that the performance built on the second half against Exeter.
“We asked for a reaction at half-time last week and we got that, coming out after a poor first half, and today was a good step along the journey of getting it right,” he told SaintsTV.
“You need to set a precedent in the set piece, get yourself into the game and getting the forwards carrying in a good rhythm. We didn’t do that last week, and with a slight breeze in the first half the guys in the tight five did an unbelievable job.
“We’ve had some decent results here, and the fact that Saracens have such a good record and are so competitive here it makes it an enjoyable place to come and play.”
Supporters who want to follow the Saints on the road to Oxford next Sunday can order tickets directly from London Welsh throughout the week, with availability on the day, too.
The Saints return home on December 13th to play Treviso in the European Rugby Champions Cup. Tickets are now on sale for this match, and the Aviva Premiership New Year battle against Newcastle, at www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/buytickets
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