Super Sarries drown Bath

Glen Jackson scored 23 points as Saracens smashed Bath 55-23 at Vicarage Road.

Guinness Premiership, Vicarage Road, Sunday October 15th, KO 3pm

Saracens produced a five-star display as they turned on the style to smash Bath 55-23 at Vicarage Road.

Director of rugby Alan Gaffney's decision to leave out Andy Farrell was vindicated as he saw his side turn in their best performance of the campaign.

Centre Ben Johnston, playing in the position Farrell covets, scored one of six tries for the red-hot hosts.

However it was Glen Jackson who was the star of the show, the fly-half dictating the play in a one-sided match that saw him kick 23 points.

After leading for large parts of the first half, Bath fell apart late on to leave themselves with plenty to think about.

Olly Barkley's early penalty put them in front, but Sarries responded in style with the opening try.

Winger Kameli Ratuvou accepted a well-time pass from Johnston to go over and Jackson added the conversion.

The visitors moved back into the lead when full-back Nick Abendanon went over and Barkley added the extras as the match flowed from end-to-end.

After both sides added penalties to their totals, Bath seemed certain to go further ahead when Michael Stephenson galloped clear.

The winger looked to be heading for the try line until Sarries flanker David Seymour showed tremendous pace to somehow haul him down just short.

That try-saving tackle was to prove the turning point as hooker Matt Cairns went over to give the home side the advantage again.

Jackson knocked over the conversion and also added a late penalty as Saracens somehow went in at half-time leading 23-16.

The number 10 continued his fine afternoon with the boot with a drop goal right at the start of the second 40 period.

He was also on target with his third conversion attempt after former Bath prop Kevin Yates had rumbled his way over to open up a comfortable cushion.

By now Saracens were in full flow and the bonus point was sealed when the impressive Johnson slid in for his team's fourth try.

Bath's miserable afternoon was made even worse when replacement Chris Goodman was sin-binned with 11 minutes to go and they leaked another try when Rodd Penney went over.

The substitute went on to grab a second before the final whistle after the away side had got a consolation score through Jonny Fa'amatuainu.