Northampton qualified for next season's Heineken Cup after they completed the first stage of a possible trophy treble with a 30-24 win over Gloucester at Sixways.

Saints' pulsating LV= Cup final triumph was secured through tries by prop Soane Tonga'uiha, centre James Downey and scrum-half Lee Dickson in a game when the lead changed hands five times.

Fly-half Stephen Myler's 100% goalkicking return harvested 15 points, and that proved the difference against a Gloucester side that underlined its post-Christmas resurgence. Myler's opposite number Nicky Robinson kicked 14 points, including the conversion of a penalty try, while flanker Akapusi Qera also touched down, but Saints deservedly shaded an epic tussle.

With a European place already in the bag, they can now go full tilt at their Heineken Cup quarter-final against Munster on April 10, while they are also tucked in just two points behind Guinness Premiership leaders Leicester.

Three penalties from Robinson countered by two from Myler had Saints 9-6 up before Gloucester scored their first try after 28 minutes. The forwards powered themselves into a position barely five metres from Northampton's line, and Qera crashed over to open up an eight-point advantage.

Northampton though, are not contesting European and domestic silverware for nothing, and their stunning response produced two converted tries in five minutes.

Tonga'uiha scored the first following slick close-quarter work by flanker Neil Best and hooker Brett Sharman, then Downey rounded off a brilliant 60-metre attack. Myler's second successful conversion put Northampton 20-14 in front, ending a high-class opening period as a groggy Brown left the action.

Unruffled by their interval deficit, Gloucester looked to reassert control up-front, and their efforts produced an immediate result. Referee Alan Lewis was in no mood for charity with regard to the set-pieces, and when Saints' front-row crumpled at an attacking Gloucester scrum five metres out, he instantly awarded a penalty try. Robinson's conversion edged Gloucester ahead, but as in the first-half, they held their lead for barely three minutes.

Northampton stormed upfield from the restart, and the magnificent Tonga'uiha this time played the role of provider as Dickson scampered across. Myler slotted the extras to make it 27-21.

Myler and Robinson exchanged further penalties as the clock ticked down, and that six-point deficit ultimately proved too much for Gloucester, even though they gave it everything.