Northampton ended a three-match losing run in the Zurich Premiership in style with a four-try victory over Saracens at Franklin's Gardens.

The Saints had not won in the league since ending Leicester's unbeaten home record in November, losing at home to Gloucester and London Irish before slipping up again at Wasps last Sunday.

But they came back with real style to crush Saracens, whose two late tries meant the scoreline failed to reflect the full measure of the home team's dominance.

Sarries took the lead after only four minutes with a penalty from stand-off Andy Goode.

Match facts

Northampton Tries: Cohen, Dawson, Smith, Seeley Cons: Grayson (4) Pens: Grayson (2) Saracens Tries: Castaignede, Chesney, Goode Cons: Goode (2) Pens: Goode (2)

But Northampton quickly took charge, following Paul Grayson's equalising penalty with a muscular try from England wing Ben Cohen.

Grayson, who was kicking immaculately, converted and then made it 13-3 with a 20th minute penalty before scrum-half Matt Dawson touched down to reward a spell of relentless home pressure.

But when a Dawson pass went astray, Sarries broke out and fit-again full-back Thomas Castaignede finished superbly with a run the length of the field.

Second-half tries from Scotland prop Tom Smith and number eight Grant Seely put Northampton out of sight at 34-11 and gave the Midlanders a vital bonus point.

Sarries saved some face with tries in the last five minutes from Kris Chesney and Goode, but Saints' superiority remained unchallenged.

Northampton: Beal; Reihana, Jorgensen, Leslie, Cohen; Grayson, Dawson; Smith, Richmond, Morris, Connors, Lord, Blowers, Pountney, Seely.
Replacements: Thompson, Stewart, Hunter, Soden, Vass, Brooks, Tucker.

Saracens: Castaignede; Johnston, Sorrell, Horan, O'Mahony; Goode, Kirton; Califano, Cairns, Storey, Benazzi, Hooper, Peacey, Hill, Chesney.
Replacements: Marsters, R Russell, Williams, Sparg, Winnan, Yandell, B Russell.