Saints fly-half Hooley dreaming of Gardens final

The club fell just one victory short of lifting the trophy back in March as Exeter Chiefs claimed the glory at Sandy Park.

That left a bitter taste in the mouths of Saints, who have started strongly in this season’s competition.

They claimed a 24-7 victory at Scarlets on Friday night to back up their 37-23 opening-day win against Newcastle Falcons.

And with the LV= Cup final to be held at Franklin’s Gardens in March, Saints will be eager to build on their slick start when the competition rears its head again in January.

“We want to focus hard on the LV= Cup,” said Hooley, who was named man of the match in the win at Parc y Scarlets on Friday night.

“We were just one step too short last year and Phil Dowson has been saying a bit about going one step further and the incentive of a final at Franklin’s Gardens.

“But ultimately it’s about taking one step at a time and the next game is Leicester Tigers away in January, which will be a heated battle.

“We’re taking each game as it comes and doing our best to get to where we want to be.”