Northampton 36-32 Gloucester result - George Furbank scores last-minute try to seal win and home semi-final for hosts

Departing Northampton captain George Furbank barged in for a last-minute try to secure victory over Gloucester which ensures they finish the season top of the table, and guaranteed of a home semi-final.

Gloucester were unlucky not to come out on top having led on five occasions before Saints showed why they finished the league phase of the season top of the pile in the penultimate round of the campaign.

Gloucester dominated the early stages and, assisted by Emmanuel Iyogun’s yellow card, took a two-try lead through Deian Gwynne, and Ollie Thorley.

Either side of a drinks break, George Hendy and Fin Smith scored for the hosts - the latter with a try-of-the-season contender. 

The match was level at the break and Saints twice answered back tries from Ben Loader and Max Llewellyn with ones from Tommy Freeman and Sam Graham.

The visitors went in front from a Charlie Atkinson penalty, after which Saints laid siege to the try-line with fantastic tackles from Ben Redshaw and Thorley denying tries, before Furbank’s score - which ensures he will play one more game at Franklin’s Gardens.

Is it a testimony to the quality of the PREM that Gloucester played so well and were so unlucky not to get something out of this game against the leaders.

Smith kicks against the post. The referee has said they will restart.

The skipper wins the ball with the last play of the match. He takes a good line and drives through a defender on the line to score.

They initially give a try for Dingwall but he is forced into touch.

Incredible defence from Gloucester and Redshaw.

The crowd boo but it has no effect on Atkinson who calmly kicks from just left of centre.

And Gloucester will now kick at goal to surely take the lead.

And the ball is booted back deep in the Gloucester half.

But after being forced back towards the halfway line, a smart kick forces Northampton back near their try-line.

They might check for head on head contact.

But they go for a kick to the corner for a line out rather than shoot at goal - and Atkinson just keeps it in.

Pearson knocked the ball on from the initial kick off 70m up the field.

A great basketball-style offload from Pollock for Pearson to run in and score.

McParland holds the last defender before slipping a pass inside to Graham who scores just next to the posts.

And kick within 15m of the Gloucester line.

And Northampton can kick to the halfway line for some restpite.

Kicking has not matched the quality of the game thus far.

Seb Atkinson times his pass perfectly to set up his fellow centre to run in untouched and take the lead again.