Stephen Myler’s relentless goalkicking accuracy shot down Bath and gave Northampton victory in European rugby’s second-tier Challenge Cup final at Cardiff Arms Park.
Myler booted six penalties from six attempts and converted substitute Phil Dowson’s 71st-minute try for a 20-point haul as Saints prevailed 30-16, with fullback Ben Foden confirming victory when he touched down four minutes from time.
In contrast, Myler’s opposite number George Ford missed three successive penalty chances on the artificial playing surface after converting Anthony Watson’s first-half touchdown.
England coach Stuart Lancaster looked on as Ford, who will miss the three-Test tour of New Zealand next month due to impending shoulder surgery, lost his radar.
He did kick three penalties but Myler, who looks set to be among England’s No.10s in All Blacks country, showed him how it should be done with a masterclass.
It ended Northampton’s run of four successive defeats in major finals – one Heineken, one Premiership and two LV Cups – and they will not be short on confidence heading into next weekend’s English title showpiece against Saracens at Twickenham.