Northampton 23-16 London Welsh

Northampton climbed back into the Premiership's top four after coming from behind to beat London Welsh in a scrappy game at Franklin's Gardens.

Welsh went ahead through a penalty try in the seventh minute and Gordon Ross's three points extended their lead, after Ryan Lamb's drop-goal.

Saints won a penalty try themselves, and Ken Pisi's converted score gave the hosts a seven-point half-time lead.

Lamb and Ross played out a kicking duel as Welsh ensured a losing bonus point.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Northampton Saints coach Dorian West told BBC Radio Northampton:

"They've got a big pack of forwards who are good in a lot of areas. We didn't get a chance to run them around and tire them out, like we usually want to, and they were able to stick in the game for long periods.

"We were a bit ill-disciplined at the start of the game, which was disappointing. Once they've got momentum, they're hard to stop.

"London Welsh are a pretty basic team but they've got a lot of spirit and they work hard for each other. A few sides have underestimated them this year and paid the price.

"I think Ryan Lamb has been pretty good in the last two weeks. Everybody makes the odd mistake. Today, a lot of his tactical work was really good."

London Welsh director of rugby Lyn Jones:

"We are really pleased. We came here looking to leave with something.

"I was pleased with the attitude and the boys' approach to the game.

"Northampton have a huge reputation at set-piece time and we took them on there today.

"We just lost the kicking battle, but we stuck in there and I think we deserved a point.

"We will grow in confidence from this performance and you could argue we had the better of their pack today."

LINE-UPS

Northampton: May; Pisi, Waldouck, Burrell, Elliott; Lamb, Roberts; Tonga'uiha, Haywood, Mujati; Manoa, Lawes; Clark, Dowson, van Velze.

Replacements: Myler for May (66), Waller for Tonga'uiha (68), Doran-Jones for Mujati (58), Sorenson for Lawes (58), Oakley for van Velze (74).

Sin Bin: van Velze (6).

London Welsh: Arscott; Caprice, Parker, Tonga'uiha, Scott; Ross, Keats; Montanella, Briggs, Ion; Mills, Kulemin; Browne, Jackson, Balding.

Replacements: Bristow for Montanella (65), Corker for Kulemin (76), To'oala for Browne (65), Bateman for Balding (65).

Sin Bin: Montanella (20), Caprice (33).

Att: 11,695

Ref: David Rose (RFU).