Northampton then struck back, hitting back with four tries of their own, in a game that saw play go from end to end, with handling errors costing Gloucester dear on several occasions.
The score was locked at 22-5 for a period of time before full back James, who was influential throughout, scored again, making it 22-12 at half time.
The second half saw Gloucester break into their stride with young Cheltenham College fly half Ton Stanton releasing the free flowing back line.
Eben Pirie was first to score after a well worked backs move from a right field scrum paid off.
A long spell of pressure then saw Aaron Hinkley scored a well deserved try to cap off a strong performance from him.
Both teams managed one more score each before the final whistle, with Gloucester's try coming from wing Will Baldwin, taking the final score to 29-27 in favour of the home side in a hard fought well matched contest.
