DIRECTOR of rugby Alan Solomons admitted Worcester Warriors eased his pre-match worries by claiming an “invaluable” point from a 46-31 loss at Saracens.

After winning last week’s bottom of the table battle with London Irish, Solomons who has taken over from Gary Gold as boss said it felt “like a balloon being deflated”.

But Warriors kept the intensity high at the Allianz Park on Saturday as they went toe-to-toe with the reigning European Challenge Cup winners.

Sarries upped the ante in the second period to secure the win, but Jamie Shillcock went over at the death to clinch a four-try bonus point.

“The pressure on the London Irish game was enormous because of what the game meant plus the fact we were expected to win as the home side,” Solomons said.

“I felt like a balloon being deflated this week so I was really worried about this game.

“But full marks to the team and the leadership within it as the boys came out really played well.

“As I have said to the lads every point counts so that’s an invaluable point for us.”

Josh Adams got Warriors off to the perfect start with his 10th try of the season on five minutes which Chris Pennell converted.

Sarries hit back with converted tries from Ben Spencer and Sean Maitland as well as a penalty from Owen Farrell.

But Worcester drew level at 17-17 thanks to a three-pointer from Chris Pennell and a score on the stroke of half-time from Sam Lewis.

David Denton notched Warriors’ third try on 65 minutes but this was sandwiched between braces from Jackson Wray and Nathan Earle as Saracens found another gear.

The visitors continued to battle, though, and in the dying moments Shillcock struck to ensure they did not leave London empty-handed.

“I think we deserved to come away with a point,” said Solomons whose side remain 10 points clear of the drop zone.

“But a big difference between the two sides was the kicking.

“I think Saracens’ kick execution was superb and they buried us in the second half when we were stuck in our half.

“They also got the edge on the collisions which made a difference as well.

“When you start bringing on Mako Vunipola and Vincent Koch off the bench you can see what a powerful side they have got.

“But I thought our lads did really well and the fact they hung in there and got that bonus point in the 78th minute was fantastic.”

Despite coming out on top, Saracens boss Mark McCall bemoaned a “very patchy” performance from his men.

“Between 50 and 70 minutes we played outstandingly well,” McCall said.

“But there were too many passages where it wasn’t like that.

“When we were good we had intensity and intent but we lacked those qualities in the first half and we were completely off the boil.

“Worcester played well, but we felt we stood off them.”