Cool Farrell inspires Sarries win

SARACENS restored some pride in their disappointing European campaign with a creditable Heineken Cup win in Paris last night.

Sarries had lost all three matches in Pool Two heading into last night’s match and have no realistic chance of reaching the knockout stages.

But Owen Farrell was the key man as they took a 16-0 lead into half-time, kicking two penalties, a drop goal and a conversion while also setting up Brad Barritt’s try.

A second-half fightback saw Racing nearly overhaul that lead but the English side were able to hold on.

Racing, who won the reverse fixture 24-21 at Vicarage Road last weekend, suffered a blow when sickness hit the squad, captain Sebastian Chabal among those missing.

Ground staff were able to make the pitch just about playable at the Stade Olympique Yves du Manoir.

Saracens started brightly and immediately won a penalty, only for fly-half Farrell to hit the post.

They won a subsequent scrum from a Racing knock-on and when the hosts were caught offside at the breakdown, Farrell slotted the fourth-minute penalty.

Saracens then capitalised on some scrappy play as 19-year-old Farrell produced a clever drop goal.

David Strettle crossed in the 20th minute after some intricate interplay down the right, but the TV match official ruled his foot was in touch.

Sarries got their deserved try when Barritt forced his way over in the 35th minute. Farrell was the creator setting up Barritt to cross, before adding the extras to make it 13-0.

The visitors’ night got even better as Farrell kicked another penalty to take it to 16-0 at the break.

Racing clawed their way back into in the 47th minutes as Farrell was caught in possession, Neil De Kock’s clearance was charged down and Mirco Bergamasco was able to cross. Jonathan Wisniewski converted to make it 16-7.

The visitors’ lead withered away as Racing took a quick penalty and Nicolas Durand went over. Wisniewski converted to cut the gap to two points.

But Farrell’s last-minute penalty wrapped up the win, though his side remain bottom of the standings.

RACING METRO 92: Hernandez, Bobo, Chavancy, Steyn, M. Bergamasco, Wisniewski, Durand, Brugnaut, Festuccia, Orlandi, Dellape, Nailiko, Leo’o, Cronje, Chabal.

Replacements: Scarbrough for Hernandez (67), Lo Cicero for Brugnaut (49).

SARACENS: Wyles, Strettle, Tagicakibau, Barritt, Short, Farrell, de Kock, Gill, Brits, Du Plessis, Smith, Vyvyan, Melck, Burger, K. Brown.Replacements: Wigglesworth for de Kock (53), George for Brits (64), Nieto for Du Plessis (53), Kruis for Smith (63), Joubert for Burger (41).

Ref: George Clancy (IRFU).