Plaudits go to Ospreys but Sarries hold nerve for victory
SARACENS were pushed all the way by a hungry Ospreys side but stretched their incredible unbeaten European run to 20 games while taking another step towards a possible third successive title.
Mark McCall’s men had to dig deep in this Champions Cup clash, but showed plenty of resolve to fight back from a 17-7 deficit and still manage to win with a bonus point.
They top Pool 2 with ten points from two victories but this was much tougher than their 57-13 trouncing of Northampton last week.
Ospreys also went away celebrating an impressive display and two losing bonus points for their hard work and desire.
Sarries took an early lead when Farrell’s pass found Alex Goode, who switched it swiftly to his left for Chris Wyles to rush forward and casually plant the ball down.
Farrell converted but the response from the visitors was swift and impressive. They cut through with surprising ease and Dan Evans burst over the line untouched for a fine try. Biggar converted and Sarries knew they were in for much tougher contest than six days ago.
The vociferous travelling Ospreys support roared louder a few minutes later when again their attack carved its way through a huge gap in the Sarries back line. The impressive Evans surged over the line with considerable ease for the second try and Biggar added the extras.
Biggar sent a straight forward penalty sailing through the posts for a 17-7 lead and the home fans fell silent. A Farrell penalty eased some concern and Ospreys lost wing Jeff Hassler to a HIA with Sam Davies replacing him.
Sarries struck on the stroke of half-time with Mako Vunipola’s short pass feeding the oncoming Schalk Brits to bulldoze over. Farrell converted to level matters.
Evans spilled a great opportunity for his second try shortly after the break. He only needed to catch the ball and stroll over in the left hand corner but it fell agonisingly to the ground. Biggar kicked his side back in front before hooker Brits was removed from the action and replaced by Jamie George after clashing heads James King.
Ospreys hopes suffered as they conceded a penalty try and lost the influential Evans to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on that denied Sarries what seemed a certain try..
Sarries still had the bonus point in the bag by the hour as Nick Tompkins made a break and fed Liam Williams who showed his class to race over for a try.
The visitors responded bravely as fine off-loading put centre Owen Watkin through a gap to reduce the gap to just two points.
But Sarries merely stepped up the pressure again and Tompkins charged over from close range. Farrell’s conversion put the game to bed.
Young Sam Cross, who found himself a surprise starter with injuries to Dan Lydiate and Justin Tipuric, grabbed the bonus point try for Ospreys at the death as they Welsh men went down fighting. point too.
“The hallmark of a good team is how you pull yourself out of the fire. To find yourself ten points behind against a very good side takes a lot of determination. But we showed some real desire and skill to do just that.”
Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy insisted: “I’m immensely proud of the determination and character the guys showed especially young Sam Cross who came in as a late call up and played so well.
“We are disappointed we didn’t get the win but coming here and going away with a couple of points is a decent night’s work.”