BIG FINISH BY SAINTS

Fly-half Smith sparks derby demolition

- ADAM HATHAWAY

Northampton 40

Leicester 17

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS kept marching on towards the play-offs even without Courtney Lawes - but Leicester are as good as out of it.

Boss Phil Dowson rested Lawes and Premiership Player of the Month Ollie Sleightholme but his side still pulled off their equal-biggest league win over their neighbours.

Saints ripped Leicester to shreds in the final quarter with Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman unleashed off the bench and Tigers centre Solomone Kata red-carded.

Kata was sent off for a high shot on Fraser Dingwall on the hour, with the score 18-17, and the hosts let rip.

Fly-half Smith made the most of his 20 minutes and rubbed Tigers' noses in it with a late drop-goal from 30m when the game was done.