Sarries ease into Cup semis

Saracens eased into the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup with a 32-13 victory over Guinness Premiership rivals Newcastle.

Tries from Cencus Johnston and Brad Barritt in the space of five first-half minutes effectively killed off the Falcons' challenge, with Glen Jackson adding 22 points with the boot.

The fly-half dominated the match with some effective tactical kicking which he backed up with five successful penalties, two conversions and a drop goal.

Hopes dashed

Newcastle arrived at Vicarage Road looking to avenge a 44-14 league defeat last September, but soon had their hopes dashed after fly-half Tom May opened the scoring with a ninth-minute penalty.

By the time winger Danny Williams crossed for their first try in the second half they were already well beaten, and skipper Phil Dowson's late score was just a mere consolation.

Jackson had already put Sarries on top with penalties in the 17th and 24th minutes before the first try came, the number 10 finding touch deep in the Falcons half before they stole the line-out and drove Johnston over.

Jackson added the extras and then converted Barritt's try after setting it up for him, threading a neat ball through the Falcons defence for the young South African to run onto and score.

A 40-metre drop goal from Jackson took Saracens in 23-3 at the interval and they were able to withstand a brief Newcastle revival after the break.

Prominent

Prop David Wilson and full-back Alex Tait were prominent in the build-up that released Jamie Noon, only for Neil de Kock's tap tackle to deny the England centre a try.

Sarries came under intense pressure and twice conceded penalties, but the visitors were denied on both occasions after opting to run it.

Jackson relieved the pressure with a 53rd minute penalty but the Falcons finally hit back moments later, centre Tane Tu'ipulotu held up just short of the line before kicking for Williams to collect and touch down in the left corner.

But the fightback never gained any real momentum and with the unerring Jackson adding two more penalties, flanker Dowson's last ditch effort was futile.