Tommy Freeman, who has Jamaican heritage, bagged a brace as champions Northampton ran in 11 tries in a 71-48 shootout with Bath.
Diaspora talent was front and centre in one of the wildest afternoons of Premiership rugby, as England winger Tommy Freeman, who has Jamaican heritage, crossed twice in Northampton's 71-48 win over Bath. Freeman's pace and finishing were a big part of a Saints display that left the scoreboard operators gasping.
Ollie Sleightholme stole the headlines with a hat-trick, and Northampton ran in 11 tries in total. Bath were far from passive, scoring seven of their own, but the defending champions always had another gear and another score.
The numbers are staggering. Eighteen tries and 119 points made this the second-highest scoring game in Premiership history. Only Northampton's own 94-33 win over Bristol in May has produced more. Defence was barely a talking point as both sides threw the ball wide and attacked at pace.
For Northampton, it was another statement that the title holders have no intention of letting go of the crown. For Bath, it was a painful lesson in how quickly the Saints can punish any loose moment, even in a game where they scored plenty themselves.
