Rule of Lawes as embattled Saints pull off plucky title win

COURTNEY LAWES signed off at Northampton in style – but was still fuming despite landing a second Premiership title.

- ADAM HATHAWAY

Bath 21 N'hampton 25

The back-row was part of Saints’ last title-winning side in 2014 and repeated the trick in his 283rd and final appearance for the club – but it all nearly ended in tears.

Bath fought like tigers after having prop Beno Obano red-carded for a headshot on Saints’ No.8 Juarno Augustus in the 21st minute. But they came up just short as Lawes (below) pocketed another medal before his upcoming move to France with Brive.

Finn Russell played like the million-pound man he is and flanker Sam Underhill terrorised Saints as Bath nearly pulled off a stunning win.

But Alex Mitchell’s 72nd-minute score left Bath on the canvas after Saints had been on the ropes for most of the match despite having an extra man.