Seven-try Saracens too good for Bears

SARACENS, misfiring at times, nonetheless claimed their fifth win on the trot to climb to second in the table while Bristol will think this was an opportunity missed.

- BRENDAN GALLAGHER

With Owen Farrell enduring a very poor day from the tee, Bristol had the wind in their sails at times but Sarries invariably find a way. Fancy not being at your best and still scoring seven tries.

The first half was a curious but compelling affair with Sarries roaring out of the blocks only to be overhauled before the break by Bristol who gathered momentum impressively.

There were early Sarries tries from Farrell and Alex Lewington, Farrell dived down the blindside after a rolling maul had been repelled while Lewington touched down wide on the right after quick hands in midfield although a quick tapped penalty from nowhere particularly close to the mark helped their cause.

Bristol were rocking but hit back with a terrific try from Joe Batley who galloped home from the 22 before stretching out with his long arm to score.