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Sarries hold off Tigers fightback despite double yellow card

Alex Lewington /Getty

Saracens held off a second-half fightback from Leicester Tigers to win a Premiership thriller 27-22 at Welford Road on Sunday.

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The visitors boasted a comfortable lead at the interval thanks to scores from Ben Spencer, Alex Lewington and Alex Lozowski.

However, Brendon O’Connor crossed early in the second half for a Tigers side depleted by international call-ups and the same man crashed over again after Ben Earl and Schalk Burger were sent to the sin-bin. 

Matt Smith scored Leicester’s third try, but the extras were missed and Sarries – who are second on points difference – held firm for an eighth win from as many league matches this season.

Saracens, seeking to maintain their 100 per cent record in the league, led 21-3 at the break thanks to three tries of the highest quality.

Spencer started the scoring with a stunning sprint from inside his own half after returning a Leicester kick over the top before Max Malins led a brilliant break and played a phenomenal pass for Lewington to cross.

Lozowski then showed delightful feet on the right touchline and blistering pace to evade the Leicester defenders.

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O’Connor got the hosts back in the game from a rolling maul early in the second half and when Earl was pinged for deliberate knock-on and Burger also shown a yellow card Sarries were down to 13.

The Tigers quickly took advantage of the extra numbers with O’Connor driving over again and Smith racing onto a brilliant Gareth Owen grubber to bring the score within two points.

But clever work from the forwards helped wind down the clock and saw Sarries earn a penalty, which Spencer nailed, and with their full numbers back in play they overturned Leicester ball on the final play to celebrate another win.

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