NORTHAMPTON boss Phil Dowson denied his side were jinxed by Ashton Gate but admitted they were beaten by the better side. Saints have not won in Bristol for five years but Dowson praised Bears for their physicality and set-piece prowess.
He said: “There is not a hex on us here that I am aware of – other than that they are a very good side. We just didn’t execute anything like to our level and that is something we have to look at. Why? That is the million-dollar question.

“The overwhelming feeling is frustration and we have to understand how we get better....