Northampton Saints confirmed their status as potential title challengers as they produced a powerful display to crush Newcastle Falcons.

Although they struggled initially in the line out the Saints pack were soon on top against the Newcastle eight and they presented their backs with plenty of ball to play with.

The Saints back line never looked entirely convincing but they were good enough to score a hat-trick of tries through Jon Sleightholme, back after a serious shoulder injury, John Leslie and Paul Grayson.

They could have had several more and coach Wayne Smith will not be happy that the hosts failed to score a bonus point.

But the Saints never looked in trouble and will surely be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.

Northampton had the upper hand for the opening half hour but all they had to show for it was three Grayson penalties.

England wing Ben Cohen, playing at outside centre for the Saints, came closest to scoring after Steve Thompson had thundered through the Falcons' defence.

When the ball was switched Cohen showed great power to go through a couple of tackles but Jonny Wilkinson demonstrated his defensive prowess as he wrapped him up just short of the line.

Wilkinson got the visitors on the board with a penalty but three minutes later Saints scored the first try of the match.

Former England winger Sleightholme, making his first Premiership start for two years after dislocating his shoulder, sped over down the narrow side after sustained Northampton pressure.

Grayson missed the extras and Saints could have extended their lead with a sparkling score.

However, Spanish flyer Oriol Ripol had the ball knocked free a yard short of the line after a swerving run through the Newcastle ranks.