1 Jun 2014

Northampton win Premiership title in thrilling finale

8:51 am on 1 June 2014

Northampton were crowned English rugby champions for the first time in the most dramatic style when replacement prop Alex Waller scored a controversial try in the last minute of extra time to secure a 24-20 victory over Saracens.

Saracens looked on course for victory at Twickenham as they led 20-17 going into the final seconds of extra time - the first time the added 20 minutes has been seen in the final.

However, after a monumental pile-up on the Saracens line Waller somehow stretched an arm through and claimed the try.

There followed an agonising wait as the TV match official examined every angle before finally ruling a fair try.

The victory completed a memorable double for Northampton, having won the Amlin Challenge Cup a week ago, while it was double despair for Saracens, beaten by Toulon in the Heineken Cup decider last Saturday.