Match reprot: Saracens 17 Newcastle 13

By Ben Harman
November 25 2002

Pretty is was not. Skies so dark, even the referee's judgement was clouded. But a win is a win, despite massive lapses in Sarries' concentration, atrocious decision making througout. However, Sarries kept going for the entire game, which will come as a relief for those who braved the elements.

After losing Horan in the opening spell, some incarnations of this Saracens team may have paniked or even folded, but not this one.

Following opening scores from the boots of Botham and Goode, the Sarries pack started to control the game. They camped down in the Falcons 22 for what seemed like an age. In the face of countless infringements fomr the very brave Falcons defence, Sarries seemed certain to score.

Finally, after a great steal at the lineout, the pack drove over the line. Last man up Matt Cairns had scored the home team's first and only try.

Following another exchange of penalgies, the teams made their way to the tunnel for half time with the scores at 11-6. Saracens had had the ypper hand in terms of possession and points and the home team were setting themselves up for a big second half. Sadly, this was not to be.

As the teams trotted out for the second period, Flatman had replaced Marsters. Though by the thired minute Flats was back off again with a yellow card for collapsing a maul.

Crucially in this ten minute period, the Saracens resolve hardened and no points were conceded by the Men in Black, although Goode managed to add thre to the sheet with a well-taken drop goal.

Epi Taione tormented Saracens in the corresponding fixture last year, but there is more strength in this year's team and the rangy South Sea Islander was anonymous throughout large portions of the game.

He did, however, take a consolation try for the Falcons following some strong work from Tom May, but evern with the scores at 14-13, Sarries stayed cool. Another drop goal from Goode closed out the scoring.

Craig Quinnell put in by far his best performance in a Saracens shirt; he took control of the pack, demanded - and duly received - courage from every shirt. Not since the great Bok flanker have we seen one man grabbing control so firmly by the scruff.

In the most difficult of conditions: rain courtesy of mother nature, referee courtesy of the RFU, Sarries never looked like losing was an option. They believed in themselves and each other and continued to play until the final whistle blew. Twice.