Saracens survived a second-half comeback from Northampton Saints to claim a 17-16 victory on Sunday.
It was the home side that opened the scoring after seven minutes when John Smit converted a try, before extending their lead with two penalties from Charlie Hodgson in quick succession.
Northampton recovered to cut the score to 11-7 after 24 minutes courtesy of a try from Phil Dowson and a conversion from Stephen Myler.
© PA Photos
The comeback from the away side continued in the latter stages of the half with Myler adding a penalty to cut the deficit to 11-10 at the interval.
Northampton took the lead for the first time in the match after 48 minutes when Myler added his second penalty of the afternoon.
They then found themselves 16-11 ahead when Myler added his third penalty before the hour mark, but a penalty from Owen Farrell kept the Saracens within touching distance at 16-14.
© PA Photos
Both sides had chances to add to their score in the latter stages, but it was Farrell that added his second penalty of the match to put his side 17-16 ahead in the final moments.
Matt Law
