 Grayson was in great form with the boot
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Northampton 35-7 Harlequins Nick Beal scored two tries as Northampton cruised to a comfortable victory over Harlequins at Franklin's Gardens.
The former England full-back ran in his first try three minutes after the interval and added another five minutes from time to move Saints seven points clear of Quins in the Zurich Premiership.
Paul Grayson added a further 15 points with the boot, while Harlequins' sole effort came from Tony Diprose, whose converted try came in the 14th minute.
That was probably our worst performance of the season by a distance 
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Mark Evans
Quins, director of rugby |
But Quins' forwards had the upper hand in the opening exchanges, which culminated in Diprose's early try.
The former England number eight pounced over the line off the back of a lineout.
After that, though, the visitors capitulated and struggled to keep in contact as Grayson unleashed three penalties.
This was a season-defining game for us
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Brendon Ratcliffe
Saints, assistant coach |
Despite some early promise in the second half, Quins failed to claw back the effort and succumbed to Beal's two scores.
Northampton: Beal, Sleightholme, Hyndman, Leslie, Reihana, Grayson, Howard, Sturgess, Richmond, Budgen, Phillips, Hunter, Blowers, Fox, Soden.
Replacements: Miles, Todd, Lord, Hepher, Vass, Brooks, Ripol.
Harlequins: N. Williams, Moore, Jewell, Reay, Gollings, Burke, Bemand, Starr, Fuga, Gomez, Davison, Codling, Vos, Sheriff, Diprose.
Replacements: Hayter, Cardinalli, Evans, Horstmann, M. Powell, Monye, Fitzgerald.
Referee: Rob Goodliffe (RFU)
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