Shoguns late late show sinks Sarries

By Jason Harris
May 13 2002

Bristol sneaked a 28-26 victory over Saracens with the last kick of the match, condemning the Men in Black to the bottom three in the table.

It had all begun so well for Sarries. Luke Smith scoring under the posts early on and keeping the score board ticking over with his kicking. Tom Shanklin also added to the total with a 50m interception try. Bristol's response was a try for Alex Cadwallader and a penalty from Matt Carrington. At the break the home side were comfortably ahead, 17-8.

Then the Sarries malaise of not being able to hold a lead of more than one score returned. Former Saracen Brendon Daniel scooted over in the corner and Shoguns fullback Lee Best also scored a five pointer.

In a nailbiting finish, Smith compelted his 21-point haul four minutes from time to put Sarries ahead by a solitary point. But Argentinian outside half Felipe Contepomi stepped up after coming off the bench 15 minutes earlier to boot the Shoguns home.

Another disappointing day at Vicarage Road, then, and thank God the season is now over. It's time for Sarries to take stock and have some time off before starting afresh for 2002-03 when Wayne Shelford should be the man in charge.