Marauding Saracens win big over Wasps

[email protected] 07:51 18/10/2014
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  • In with a GT6 chance: Saracens (red) picked up four crucial points yesterday

    Abu Dhabi Saracens swatted away the challenge of Xodus Wasps to banish the painful memories of last week’s Abu Dhabi derby defeat.

    Sarries racked up a half century of points against a Wasps side rav­aged by injury, absences and even an outbreak of conjunctivitis.

    In the process they kept alive their hopes of making the post-sea­son Gulf Top Six with a comfortable victory. They ran in 10 tries in the 64-20 romp.

    The little sting that Wasps pro­vided in the first half came from the creativity and kicking of out­side-half Liam Reeve. His monster penalty from inside his own half was the highlight of the opening 40 minutes.

    The hosts had secured a bonus point as early as the 28th minute when centre Pieter Morton went over for his second try.

    There were four braces in all. Winger Dan Spencer-Tonks, second rower Lehan Koekemore and star man Jaen Botes all helped them­selves to two tries. Ian Hughes and Rikkus Swart also touched down for the hosts, while Dougie Steele added seven conversions.

    Wasps’ persistence was rewarded in a much improved second half showing, with tries for hooker Paul Serunjoji and flanker Nenad Grbic. Sarries head coach Ali Thompson was “absolutely delighted” with the result.

    He said: “We came here with business to do, we needed to get four points to give us a chance of getting into the Gulf Top Six and we’ve done that.”

    Backs coach and centre Steve Hamilton added: “We’ve had some positive performances and results this season but I think tonight was the first time we clicked.

    “The players look more com­fortable with each other and that’s pleasing to see.”

    Wasps director of rugby Mar­tin Southern was pleased with the spirit his side showed.

    “ I couldn’t ask for anything more tonight,” he said. “The second half was outstanding and we righted a few wrongs from the first.”

    Southern said the performance was “100 per cent” more than he expected after such a tumultuous week. “The injury and unavailabil­ity list stretched to 28,” he said.

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