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Northampton edge Gloucester in 11-try thriller to claim home semi-final

BBC Sport •
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George Furbank's last-minute try sealed a dramatic 36-22 victory for Northampton Saints over Gloucester, booking their place in the Premiership play-off semi-finals. The match delivered an incredible 11-try thriller that saw both sides trade blows throughout a pulsating 80 minutes.

Saints trailed early after prop Emmanuel Iyogan's fifth-minute yellow card, but fought back through scores from George Hendy and Tommy Freeman. Gloucester's Ollie Thorley and Seb Atkinson kept the visitors in contention, with Charlie Atkinson's boot keeping them ahead at various stages. Rory Hutchinson marked his 200th club appearance with a try as the lead changed hands five times.

The decisive moment came in the final minute when Furbank received a short pass and crashed over from close range, despite Fin Smith's conversion being disallowed. Earlier, Freeman had been denied by a brilliant Ben Redshaw challenge, while Thorley's last-ditch tackle prevented Fraser Dingwall from scoring.

This victory means Northampton Saints will host their semi-final at home, while Gloucester's season ends in disappointment despite contributing to one of the most entertaining matches of the campaign.