Foden magic inspires Saints

Northampton extended their winning sequence to eight games in all competitions thanks to two moments of inspiration from Ben Foden in the 26-6 win over Worcester.

The full-back first set up Chris Ashton with a brilliant counter-attack from inside his own half and then scored the second five minutes from time to seal the win.

Phil Dowson's late score put a gloss on the performance, which saw Stephen Myler kick 11 points, while the Warriors only replies came through two Willie Walker penalties.

Northampton, however, still had to work hard to secure victory on one of their happy hunting grounds - they have lost only once at Worcester's Sixways ground - and were relieved Warriors' fly-half Walker missed two kickable penalties that might have allowed them to sneak their first Guinness Premiership win in three months.

Worcester did not deserve a Premiership record fourth consecutive draw but the margin was of defeat was harsh on a side that competed well for three-quarters of the game.