Sarries keep hopes alive

Penney: Two tries

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Saracens have kept their slim hopes of reaching the Guinness Premiership play-offs alive after coming from behind to score an unlikely 20-16 victory against Bath at Vicarage Road.

Victory - and a place in the top four - for the visitors had seemed a forgone conclusion when they raced into a 16-point first half lead - captain Alex Crockett touching down.

His side were playing entertaining and stylish rugby coming forward and yet were also guilty of not fully exploiting the opportunities they created.

Help came in the shape of Butch James' boot, the South African's true aim not matched by counterparts Glen Jackson and Gordon Ross.

But, after appearing second best, particularly during the first half, Saracens - who lost director of rugby Eddie Jones just 48 hours earlier - came back.

Rodd Penney scored twice, his man-of-the-match-winning performance backed up with scores from Alex Walker - on his Premiership debut - and a last-gasp effort from Don Barrell.

Bath had most of the early ball but it was the home side who had the first chance to take the lead - Jackson missing a penalty in the third minute.

Saracens took that as their cue to press - Duncan Bell off the pitch briefly after taking a knock - but Bath's defence stood firm impressively, especially given the thundering presence of Kameli Ratuvou.

They then turned defence into attack and in some style as a long, flowing move ended with a penalty converted by Butch James in the 11th minute.

Fast start

The visitors are renowned for their fast starts this season and were by now in control of possession. However, Sarries' defence was doing well to repel the attacks - Joe Maddock proving a particularly slippery customer.

Peter Short was guilty of missing an overlap which would almost certainly led to an opening score, which finally came on 21 minutes after James' kick sat up nicely for Crockett to touch down under the posts.

The fly-half converted and Kris Chesney was lucky to remain on the pitch moments later when, after Bath had killed the ball at a ruck, he charged in on the blindside and threw a punch.

Bath tried to make the one-man advantage pay, with Rob Hawkins' pass to try and free Maddock on the right instead finding touch.

In the end they settled for another three points as James kicked his side 13 points clear in the 34th minute - Chesney then rejoining the fray.

Jackson missed another penalty attempt moments later and with Richard Haughton then fumbling a high kick, the portents did not appear good for Sarries' fans.

James then scored another penalty two minutes before the break before Saracens set about looking for a try that might at least give them hope.

Their first attack ended in a turnover - one of several Saracens achieved. However, with the 40 minutes up a response finally came when a right-to-left move resulted in Jackson's quick pass taking out James and setting up Penney to cross.

Jackson again missed the extras but despite closing the gap Saracens' woes were still plentiful - Ratuvou joining Alex Goode as a first-half injury casualty.

Ross came on at fly-half - Jackson switching to full-back - and the opening minutes of the second period saw Bath press once more.

Yet, once again, Saracens' defence stood firm, although Ross carried on where Jackson left off by missing a penalty after 55 minutes.

Bath thought they had their second just short of the hour but, following James' crossfield kick, the waiting Matt Banahan was penalised for going for Haughton rather than the ball.

The deficit still stood at 11 points but with Bell and Scott Bemand conspiring to knock the ball on, Saracens had the territory on which to build.

Breakthrough

And, after going through the phases, the breakthrough came when replacement hooker Walker burrowed through to score after 65 minutes.

Ross again missed and did once more after Penney scored the try of the match in the 70th minute, the winger gaining possession behind his own posts before sprinting the full length of the pitch.

Only one point now separated the teams and, scenting panic in the Bath defence, Saracens looked to take an unlikely lead.

Their tribulations with the boot continued when Ross missed a drop goal attempt four minutes from time.

More phases were inevitable, with the comeback being sealed when, on the left-hand overlap, Barrell fought off two challenges to cross in the 78th minute.