George Furbank could hardly have scripted a better farewell.
The Northampton Saints captain scored two tries in his final home appearance as the Premiership champions defeated Leicester Tigers 41-33 in a breathtaking East Midlands derby to secure their place in the Premiership final.
Played in front of a packed Franklin's Gardens, the semi-final delivered everything supporters could have hoped for: 12 tries, momentum swings, fierce local rivalry and a dramatic finish that was not settled until the closing minutes.
For Saints, however, the evening belonged to Furbank.
The England full-back, who will leave Northampton at the end of the season after more than a decade with the club, crossed twice and produced a captain's performance when his side needed it most. His second try, late in the contest, finally broke Leicester's resistance and ensured Saints would return to Twickenham with a chance to defend their Premiership crown.
Northampton's attack was electric throughout.
Centre Tom Litchfield produced the performance of his career with a first-half hat-trick, while England international Tommy Freeman and young scrum-half Archie McParland also crossed in a relentless attacking display.
Leicester refused to disappear.
The Tigers repeatedly fought their way back into the contest through Freddie Steward, Orlando Bailey and Ollie Hassell-Collins, ensuring the result remained uncertain deep into the second half.
Yet every time Leicester threatened to seize momentum, Northampton found another answer.
The champions' attacking fluency, combined with standout performances from Henry Pollock, Fin Smith and Fraser Dingwall, ultimately proved too much for their historic rivals.
The result continues Northampton's remarkable recent rise under Phil Dowson. Having lifted the Premiership title in 2024, Saints are now one victory away from securing a second championship in three seasons and cementing their status as the standard-bearers of English club rugby.
For Leicester, the defeat brings an end to a season that showed significant promise but ultimately fell short at the final hurdle. The Tigers remain one of the Premiership's most formidable sides, yet once again found Northampton standing in their way when it mattered most.
For Furbank, however, this night was about more than rivalry.
It was a farewell performance worthy of one of Northampton's modern greats. A captain, a playmaker and a player who has become synonymous with Saints rugby, he leaves Franklin's Gardens having delivered one final gift to the supporters who watched him grow from academy prospect to England international.
Twickenham now awaits.
And Northampton's story is not finished yet.