Nutley: Bedford win sets Saints up for productive pre-season

Nutley was one of the stars of the show as Jim Mallinder’s men claimed a 45-21 victory at Goldington Road.

The away team scored 26 unanswered points during the second period to add to a steady first-half showing.

Nutley scored and set one up during the opening 40 minutes and though he knows there is plenty to work on, he believes the Bedford blow-out was ideal preparation for what lies ahead.

“Pre-season games, there’s always going to be mistakes but it’s an opportunity to see what you need to work on,” said the 21-year-old flanker.

“It was a good performance, Bedford are rivals so it was good to win and it was good to get 40 minutes as well.

“Everyone was looking good, there were no injuries and we’ll look back at the game on Monday and work on bits all-round.

“It’s the first game we’ve had since we’ve been back and it looks good for the run-in to the season.”

Saints now move on to face Moseley on Thursday before a home game against Edinburgh a day later and a trip to Leinster on August 30.

The Premiership season starts a week later, with Northampton taking on Exeter Chiefs at the Gardens.