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Jacques Burger signed off in style as Saracens came from behind to overcome Newcastle 23-14 at Allianz Park
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A brace from Marcus Watson gave the Falcons an unlikely 14-3 lead at the break
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Two tries from Jackson Wray and single score from Maro Itoje though saw Sarries come back to win
Sarries have secured top spot in the Aviva Premiership with victory while Newcastle have secured their top-flight status following London Irish’s defeat.
Continuing their hope for back to back Premiership titles, Saracens were blown away in the first 40 by an underperforming Falcons side. Two tries from Marcus Watson gave Newcastle an 11 point lead at the break
But Jackson Wray went over twice in the second half to turn the game around, with Maro Itoje sealing the game late on. Charlie Hodgson made up the hosts total with eight points from the tee.
More to follow.
Saracens: 15 Ben Ransom, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Brad Barritt (c), 11 Chris Wyles, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Neil De Kock, 8 Jackson Wray, 7 Jacques Burger, 6 Michael Rhodes, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Titi Lamositele, 2 Jared Saunders, 1 Richard Barrington
Replacements: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Juan Figallo, 19 Hayden Smith, 20 Kelly Brown, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Nils Mordt, 23 Nick Tompkins
Newcastle: 15 Simon Hammersley, 14 Alex Tait, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Adam Powell, 11 Marcus Watson, 10 Craig Willis, 9 Michael Young, 8 Mark Wilson, 7 Dan Temm, 6 Will Welch (c), 5 Sean Robinson, 4 Mouritz Botha, 3 Taione Vea, 2 George McGuigan, 1 Rob Vickers
Replacements: 16 Rob Hawkins, 17 Alex Rogers, 18 Andrew Foster, 19 Calum Green, 20 Richard Mayhew, 21 Ruki Tipuna, 22 Tom Catterick, 23 Tom Penny
Date: Sunday, May 1
Venue: Allianz Park
Kick-off: 15:15 BST (14:15 GMT)
Referee: Ian Tempest
Assistant Referees: Phil Watters, Roy Maybank
TMO: David Grashoff