Freeman and teenage star Pater hit hat-tricks as Northampton rout Newcastle

Defending Premiership champions Northampton scored nine tries to beat Newcastle at Franklin's Gardens.

It was a fast, ruthless start to the defence of the title they won last season, and the bonus-point win was effectively sealed inside the first quarter, The Guardian reported.

Northampton had the try bonus point — an extra league point awarded for scoring four or more tries in a match — wrapped up after only 24 minutes. Tommy Freeman got it. That score capped a blistering opening spell from the home side.

Freeman went on to complete a hat-trick, three tries in one match. The England wing was a constant threat out wide. His pace and timing kept Newcastle stretched.

He was matched by James Pater. The 19-year-old full-back also scored three times. It was a breakout afternoon for a teenager still at the very start of his senior career.

George Hendy added another of Northampton's nine tries. His came from a lineout strike play, a pre-planned move launched from the lineout, the restart where the ball is thrown back in from touch. Northampton moved the ball sharply off that platform and Hendy finished the move.

Newcastle did not leave empty-handed on the scoresheet. Christian Wade scored twice for the visitors. The veteran wing showed his trademark footwork to get over.

Discipline hurt Newcastle during the contest. Harrison Obatoyinbo was sent to the sin-bin for a trip, leaving his team a player down for ten minutes. In union, a tripping offence brings an automatic yellow card and that spell on the sidelines.

What makes this stand out is the spread of the damage. Two different hat-trick scorers in one team is rare. For fans, this means Northampton have started as they mean to go on, with finishers firing on both flanks and at the back.