# Match action starts Page 8

> Northampton Saints and Bath points fest sparks Phil Dowson's defense.
- Title: Match action starts Page 8 · The Rugby Paper | Shortify
- Summary: Northampton Saints and Bath points fest sparks Phil Dowson's defense. Northampton Saints director Phil Dowson rejects claims of being 'gone soft' after…
- Keywords: northampton saints, bath, phil dowson, points fest, club rugby, sports, Match, action, starts, Page, The Rugby Paper
- Source: The Rugby Paper — https://therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/494771/match-action-starts-page-8
- Author: The Rugby Paper Team
- Published: 2026-10-11T02:59:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: northampton saints, bath, phil dowson, points fest, club rugby, sports
## Hat-trick hero
Ollie Sleightholme charges for Northampton Saints in match action.

> Hat-trick hero: Ollie Sleightholme on the charge for Saints
## Phil Dowson defends balance
Northampton Saints director Phil Dowson rejects 'gone soft' claims after Saints and Bath points fest.

> Phil Dowson rejects 'gone soft' claims after Northampton Saints and Bath points fest
## Saracens' Venter partnership
Saracens' Brendan Venter vows to work closely with RFU on England's rising stars.

> Saracens’ Brendan Venter vows to work closely with RFU on England’s rising stars
## Key takeaway

Northampton Saints director Phil Dowson rejects claims of being 'gone soft' after Saints and Bath's recent points fest.