George North sent Wales coach Warren Gatland a timely reminder by sparking a superb second-half fightback to earn Northampton a 25-17 win against London Irish.

Irish threatened to claim only their second Aviva Premiership win of the season at Franklin's Gardens when two opportunistic tries from Saracens-bound wing Alex Lewington put them 14-3 up at half-time.

But the Saints stormed back early in the second period, scoring three times in the 10 minutes after half-time to increase Irish's relegation fears.

North, who is yet to start in the Six Nations this season, Rob Horne and Mike Haywood all dotted down for the home side, and Piers Francis made the game safe with a drop goal.

Greig Tonks had the chance to pick up a losing bonus point for London Irish, but he failed to slot a penalty two minutes from time.

"George [North] is a fantastic player," said interim head coach Dickens. "It's sometimes difficult for internationals to go away and come back during the Six Nations.

"We've had it in the past and it's tough mentally for them, but George did really well today. We should have come away with more points in the first half."

Irish got exactly the start they wanted as, after playing the first five minutes on the front foot, they were presented with an opportunity.

Northampton's passing was poor and, after the ball went loose, wing Lewington pounced, kicking ahead and diving to score.

Fly-half Tonks landed the conversion to take his team into an early 7-0 lead and they then defended strongly, stopping the Saints from issuing an immediate riposte.

Campese Ma'afu was stopped in his tracks as he flew towards the line before another Northampton knock-on ruined their momentum.

Francis hit a post with a penalty attempt he would have expected to make and Irish soon made him pay.

Lewington again got to the ball first after hesitancy from North and the Irish winger dived over to score his and his team's second try, with Tonks converting.

But the Saints were soon marching towards the Irish line in the second half as North scored within a minute of the restart.

Francis converted to cut Irish's lead to four points and Northampton soon ensured it would be they who led as Luther Burrell sent Horne over in the corner.

Francis missed the conversion, but the Saints held one-point advantage and that was soon eight as Haywood powered over and Francis converted.

Tonks responded with a penalty for Irish, but Francis cancelled it out with an intelligent and timely drop goal eight minutes from time to seal victory.