WARRIORS.
7 Pennell – was reliable under the high ball, even launching an attack off one fine catch and was a key figure in a fluent back-line until errors crept into his and Warriors’ game.
7 Heem – was a dangerous outlet for Worcester on the right wing as he broke through several tackles and never stopped believing, making a surge at the death.
7 Venter – teamed up well with Te’o in midfield as the duo punched holes in Sarries’ defence but was guilty of missing a few tackles as the hosts hit back.
8 Te’o – made an immediate impact as he thundered his way forward on numerous occasions and was quick to support Humphreys to touch down for an early try.
8 HUMPHREYS – made a couple of important tackles in the first half and his brilliant break and offload teed up Te’o for an easy score. My man of the match.
7 Weir – was on hand to score Warriors’ first try and weighed in with some big hits in defence but his failure to land a late penalty cost his side a point.
7 Hougaard – his quick-thinking released Weir for his try and was full of running in the opening period but lost his way in the second period with some poor kicks.
6 Black – was having a decent afternoon until the start of the second half when he was pinged at the scrum and then penalised for offside moments later.
7 Singleton – aside from an error in a scrum when he failed to hook the ball the hooker was in fine form, landing all six of his lineout throws.
8 Milasinovich – stepping in for the injured Schonert, the prop did an excellent job against England star Vunipola and was one of Worcester’s most effective ball-carriers.
7 Bresler – a pretty steady display from the lock who stood up against Sarries’ big men and formed a good partnership with Phillips in the second row.
8 Phillips – was another star performer as he ran the lineout superbly in the absence of Fatialofa and demonstrated his ball-carrying ability.
7 Hill – a solid, professional performance from the young flanker who gave Warriors go-forward when he got hold of the ball and did little wrong in defence.
7 Lewis – was not as influential in attack as he has been this season but was one of Worcester’s top-tacklers as Sarries upped the ante in the second 40 minutes.
7 van Velze – led by example as he secured several turnovers including a lineout steal and was picked up on the ref mic urging his players to believe as the clock ticked down.
Replacements: Taufete’e 6 (Singleton 58), Waller 6 (Black 56), Kerrod 7 (Milasinovich 58), Barry (Bresler 66), Cox (Hill 68), Arr (Hougaard 68). Not used: Lawrence, van Breda.
Attendance: 9,758.
Referee: K Dickson.
Saracens: Goode; Maitland, Topkins (Bosch 63), Lozowski, Lewington (Strettle 53); Farrell (C), Spencer (Whiteley 76); Vunipola (Barrington 70), George (Woolstencroft 76), Judge (Lamositele 55), Skelton (Burger 53), Kruis, Isiekwe (Day 63), Clark, Earl.
RUN OF PLAY.
0-5: Weir try, 4mins.
0-7: Weir conv, 5mins.
0-12: Te'o try, 12mins.
0-14: Weir conv, 13mins.
3-14: Farrell penalty, 23mins.
8-14: Vunipola try, 30mins.
8-17: Weir penalty, 34mins.
11-17: Farrell penalty, 40mins.
Half-time: Saracens 11-17 Worcester Warriors.
16-17: Clark try, 52mins.
18-17: Farrell conv, 53mins.
23-17: Strettle try, 67mins.
25-17: Farrell conv, 68mins.
Full-time: Saracens 25-17 Worcester Warriors.
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