Saints: Myler backs Ashton's try-scoring record
"Long may it continue," declared Stephen Myler as England wing Chris Ashton got straight back into the try-scoring groove with a double against Italians Aironi Viadana.
Northampton Saints powered to a 38-5 win over the new Magners League side in their final pre-season friendly – the best possible warm-up ahead of the Aviva Premiership opener against champions and east midlands rivals Leicester Tigers.
As well as Ashton, Courtney Lawes bagged two tries with Myler also dotting down and the scrum winning a penalty try in the final quarter.
Ashton was denied another hat-trick by being replaced after an hour. But he had shown enough to assure supporters and Myler that he is in top condition ahead of the campaign.
Myler said: "That is what he is very good at.
"That is his job and long may it continue.
"He has come up with another brace of tries and hopefully he can keep that scoring form going from last year into this year."
Myler, who kicked four conversions to go with his try, was satisfied with the work-out against what is a brand-new side.
Viadana are still bedding in a host of Italian internationals ahead of their big kick-off against Munster next week.
"It was a good hit out," added Myler.
"We have got the champions first up and we needed a solid hit out before that game. We got that.
"We were able to build up to a nice lead in the first half and take the game away from them.
"It is early in the season and we were a little bit rusty last week in France.
"We thought we deserved a better performance.
"The more games we play into the season, the more we will improve."
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Monday 13 February 2012
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