Aviva Premiership: Worcester have Goode to thank
Saracens missed the chance to go top of the Aviva Premiership after going down 12-3 to Worcester in a poor match.
Last Updated: 23/11/12 10:45pm
The visitors could have pulled off an unmerited win had Nils Mordt and Sam Stanley not missed four routine penalties.
Neither side showed enough attacking flair to threaten the try-line but the home pack were the better of the pair, enabling Andy Goode to kick three penalties and a drop goal.
Warriors benefited from having only one player missing on international duty to Sarries' eight - and were rewarded for a stronger opening as Goode slotted a 30-metre kick.
Mordt was off target moments later from further out before Worcester lost young centre Joe Carlisle to injury.
Mordt did bring the scores level but Goode kicked the home side back in front after failing to pierce the uprights when Saracens infringed at the ruck.
The visiting fly-half missed again from 35m midway through the first half and Worcester went further ahead after a Ben Ransom kick was charged down - the resulting pressure allowing Goode to pick off a drop goal.
He extended the lead to 12-3 with another penalty before the interval and although Saracens dominated the first 10 minutes after the re-start, they were unable to capitalise.
Mordt missed again on 51 minutes when his 30m effort hit a post while Goode also missed with another drop goal attempt and a shot from the tee.
The unfortunate Mordt was removed inside the last 15 minutes but his replacement fared little better - Stanley missing from 30m to deprive his side a bonus point.