Saracens match set to go ahead

A lunchtime pitch inspection by European Rugby Cup officials was expected to give the go-ahead to tonight’s re-scheduled Parker Pen Challenge Cup quarter-final first leg between Saracens and Newcastle.

The match was called off at short notice yesterday following the overnight failure of the undersoil heating at Vicarage Road – but the system was monitored throughout the night by a member of the ground staff.

A Saracens spokesman said: “With the system being on full power all night and the sub-zero temperatures subsiding, pitch conditions are said to be good - which means that this evening’s re-scheduled fixture will almost certainly go ahead.

“An ERC pitch inspection is due at lunchtime today when it is expected to be cleared.”

To compensate fans who were inconvenienced yesterday, admission to tonight’s match will be free. Any supporters who pre-bought tickets for yesterday can apply for refunds by post.