Farrell late show wins it for Sarries

OLLIE THORLEY and Max Malins took turns to showcase their Test credentials in front of Steve Borthwick last night as Owen Farrell made up for four missed kicks by landing a match-winning drop goal for Saracens. England head coach Borthwick was in attendance along with his assistant Kevin Sinfield and they were treated to reminders that there is ample talent available to them, outside the recent squads assembled by Eddie Jones. Malins scored an early try for Saracens and threatened to add another from long range, while Thorley was outstanding for Gloucester — touching down once, running amok with pace and power, and making a try-saving tackle. Saracens were soon into their stride and in the ascendancy, and it took a desperate intervention by George McGuigan to stop Mako Vunipola from touching down in the fifth minute. But two minutes later, the visitors’ had a try to show for their fast start and it was an impressive team effort. Mark McCall’s side advanced in relentless waves. Alex Goode nearly broke through on the left, then the ball was switched back across the field. After another shuddering charge by Billy Vunipola, quick handling allowed Malins the space out wide to go past the last defender and just about manage to force the ball on to the Gloucester line. Farrell was gleefully mocked by the Shed for missing the awkward conversion and back came Gloucester, belatedly stung into life. In the 15th minute, the home pack drove Ben Morgan over from a lineout, only for referee Karl Dickson to rule out the try after a TMO review. But it did not take long for Gloucester to strike. Chris Harris’s cleverly-timed pass released Thorley and the wing surged past Goode and held off another attempted tackle to score. Santiago Carreras converted.

It was a back-and-forth, close encounter until the break, with ensuing penalty. In the 54th minute, Farrell was presented with an opportunity to put his side in front once more, but his kick deflected wide off the lefthand post. The Shed mocked him again and they repeated the chants when he missed again just after the hour.

With 14 minutes to go, Ben Meehan failed to claim a high kick and Saracens took advantage, with a raid down the left which ended with Ivan van Zyl scoring. But Farrell had to endure the jeers again as his conversion drifted outside the post. Another Carreras penalty tied the scores with seven minutes to go — only for Farrell to snatch it for the Premiership leaders with the last kick.