Saracens move into second place in the Gallagher Premiership table after a dramatic 15-12 win over Bath. Owen Farrell’s 77th-minute penalty secured a late win at the Recreation Ground and took them to the brink of the play-offs
Last updated: 04/26/24 10:42 p.m
Tom Parton celebrates with teammate Elliot Daly after Saracens secured a dramatic win
Reigning champions Saracens gained a foothold in the Gallagher Premiership play-offs after Owen Farrell’s late penalty beat title rivals Bath 15-12 at the Recreation Ground.
Farrell’s 78th-minute strike meant Saracens climbed into second place, three points behind leaders Northampton, after a performance brimming with intensity over Bath.
But they had to withstand a fierce fightback from Bath from 12 points behind, as tries either side of the hour mark from substitutes Thomas du Toit and Cameron Redpath and a conversion from Ben Spencer threatened a famous home win.
Saracens took the lead through first-half tries from wingers Tom Parton and Rotimi Segun, with Farrell converting a game-winning penalty. The former England captain, who will move to French club Racing 92 this summer, impressed throughout, combining impeccable shooting with an astute tactical understanding.
Owen Farrell’s late kick gave Saracens a valuable win
The end result was a priceless away win as Saracens chased their sixth Premiership title in the last ten seasons.
How Bath trumped the Friday thriller
Bath looked to add pace and width to the ball, with centers Max Ojomoh and Ollie Lawrence starring in promising first shots, but Saracens struck first after 12 minutes.
Full-back Elliot Daly and centre-back Lucio Cinti worked their way behind Bath’s defense before Cinti’s midfield partner Nick Tompkins fired a long pass and Parton finished the ball confidently. Farrell missed the attempt to convert down the touchline, but Saracens took off running and ran ahead of England head coach Steve Borthwick.
Saracens’ Tom Parton scores his side’s first try during the Gallagher Premiership match at the Recreation Ground, Bath
Kicking dominated the contest and Saracens were content to play a tight game with big ball carriers Ben Earl and Juan Martin Gonzalez taking center stage and Bath struggled to break through such formidable organization.
Things went into high gear again ten minutes before half-time when Maro Itoje, suspended from Saracens in England, made head-to-head contact with Bath number eight Alfie Barbeary. Referee Luke Pearce consulted with telematch official David Rose before showing a yellow card, although things could well have been worse for Itoje.
Saracens made progress just before half-time when prop Eroni Mawi put number 8 Tom Willis ahead with a pass, and it took an outstanding tackle from Will Muir on Gonzalez to prevent a try. Bath’s defense was then unlocked thanks to a well-placed kick from Farrell, and Segun ended up in the corner before Farrell’s conversion opened a 12-0 lead.
Saracens had the bit between their teeth and Earl’s pass to Parton split Bath’s defense halfway before Joe Cokanasiga managed to stop any further goal threat.
It took Bath 56 minutes to establish any sort of threat within Saracens’ 22, but they counted after two lineouts in quick succession ended with Du Toit diving from close range.
Six minutes later it was Bath’s turn again, causing even more pain for Saracens’ defense as another relentless attack this time earned Redpath a try, with Spencer’s conversion early in the final quarter ensuring the equaliser.
But some opportunism from Farrell inside his own 22 led to a thrilling Saracens counter-attack, creating a scrum platform just five meters from Bath’s line. And Bath couldn’t hold on and conceded a penalty, which Farrell duly landed in front of the post.
What’s next?
Leicester Tigers host fourth-placed Bristol on Saturday (3pm), while Harlequins take on Northampton Saints at the Twickenham Stoop (3.05pm). Struggling Gloucester face Exeter Chiefs at home on Sunday (3pm), while bottom side Newcastle Falcons welcome Sale to Kingston Park (3pm).
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