Late tries from George Hendy and Rory Hutchison rescue Northampton against stubborn Gloucester, but Mitchell's injury dampens the win.
Northampton Saints found a way when it mattered most, scoring late through George Hendy and Rory Hutchison to beat a Gloucester side that refused to go quietly.
Gloucester made life awkward for the Saints for long periods, defending with grit and keeping the contest tight when Northampton needed it to open up. The breakthrough only came as the clock wound down, and when it did, the Saints made it count.
Hendy and Hutchison were the men who delivered, each crossing in the closing stages to turn a frustrating afternoon into a hard-earned victory. Those finishes showed the composure and belief of a team that trusts itself to strike late.
The celebrations were tempered by an injury to Mitchell, who hobbled off during the game. There was no word on the severity in the information available, so Northampton will wait on assessments before knowing how much it affects their plans.
For Gloucester, it is a painful way to lose after a performance that deserved more. For the Saints, it is a win built on late resilience, with one eye now on the fitness of a key man.
