Meli Laddpeter 
[Source: Rugbypass]
Northampton started their Investec Champions Cup campaign in style with a convincing 38-8 bonus-point win over Castres at Franklin’s Gardens.
The Gallagher Premiership champions made a strong start, with captain Fraser Dingwall opening the scoring with an early try.
Castres responded with a penalty from Louis le Brun, but the tough conditions, compounded by Storm Darragh, made it challenging for both sides.
Fijian lock Temo Mayanavanua powered over for a try, followed by a superb wide pass from Tommy Freeman that sent Juarno Augustus racing to the corner for another score.
Curtis Langdon added a fourth try to secure the bonus point, before Augustus bagged his second of the match.
Castres did manage a consolation try through Pierre Colonna, but Northampton rounded off an impressive performance when Henry Pollock capped the win with a brilliant solo effort.
Next up for the Saints is a Challenge Cup clash against the Bulls in South Africa next Saturday, as they look to continue their strong start to European competition.
