Trying time for Sarries

By Jason Harris
April 27 2003

Saracens came as close as they could to progressing to their first final in five years, but with the scores over this two-legged Parker Pen Challenge Cup semi tied at 57-57, it was Bath that went through after scoring one more try than the Men in Black.

Bath outside half Olly Barkley held his nerve to put over a coversion that made the second leg score 27-19 to the home side after Tom Voyce's 85th minute try just as the Saracens support were thinking that Andy Goode's contribution as a second half replacement of two penalties and a drop goal had won the tie.

On the day, Bath were deserved winners after outscoring Saracens three tries to one. But the game, in all honesty, looked like one that was being scrapped out by two poor sides residing at the wrong end of the league table.

The first half was all Bath as Sarries struggled to win lineout ball and contain some useful Bath surges. One such surge led to the opening try for and ex-Saracens Danny Grewcock. Gareth Cooper and Mike Tindall combined to make the initial break to set up the Bath captain for his first try since joining from Sarries.

Elvis Seveali'i scored Bath's second try, leaving Man of the Match Tim Horan in his wake on his way to a classy score and at half time the home side were in a comfortable 17-3 lead.

Saracens struck back right at the start of the second half. Darragh O'Mahony went in at the left corner after a Horan kick ahead and the try was converted splendidly by Niki Little.

Sarries' second half peformance was light years ahead of their dismal effort in the first as they put more pressure on Bath who were penalised reguarly by referee David Mchugh. But the pressure almost counted for nought as between them, Little and Goode missed four penalty chances that could have won the tie.

Goode's introduction early in the second half brought new life to a jaded Sarries team and he kept them at the right end of the field for the best part with some superb kicking from hand.

However, even Goode's injury time penalty that took the scores to 20-19 couldn't save Sarries and the Voyce/Barkley late-late show granted Bath a trip to the Madejski Stadium on 25 May to play London Wasps.