Gloucester Premier League

Bristol Saracens 38 North Bristol 19

BRISTOL Saracens have undoubtedly been the best side in the Gloucester Premier league this season, winning all games with an attacking try bonus point in each to go with it, writes Steve Bold.

And they kept their incredible record of having scored maximum points in every game they have played at North Bristol.

But if North Bristol had played the whole game like they did in the second half, then the result may have been different.

North Bristol were guilty of giving their hosts too much respect and Saracens did not need a second chance to attack.

Saracens scored two well-worked tries after five and 21 minutes and they led 12-0 with North Bristol not troubling them in defence too much during that time.

Soon afterwards, Saracens’ number eight shrugged off some poor tackling to make it 19-0 and they were able to claim the attacking bonus point just before half- time as they led, deservedly, 24-0 at the turnaround.

Led by North’s tireless back row of Ben Phillips, Chris Underwood and Danny Williams they started the second-half well and a sustained period of pressure was rewarded when prop Mark Sterry crashed over for a try, finishing off fine phase play.

Scrum-half Ryan Hazzard, playing his first league game since 2005-06 season, was in the thick of the action, prompting his pack to work hard.

After 58 minutes Sterry’s replacement, Scott Flannigan crashed over from short range too beneath the posts for his first try in League rugby.

Joel Phillips converted and North were back in the game at 24-12.

A poorly managed kick ahead from Saracens led to their fifth try to stretch the score to 12-31 but North hit back again.

Keeping the ball and moving it towards the right, Joel Phillips claimed the try-scoring pass to score a try which he converted to bring his team back to 31-19 after 68 minutes.

North Bristol were fully in the ascendancy now and were looking to make their advantage count and cause a big upset against their high-flying opponents.

Saracens were forced into making a mistake in midfield where the ball was hacked on.

From there, North winger Lance Cassemis looked destined to score as he raced clear before the bounce of the ball eluded him on the line and the chance to get back to 31-26 and just one unconverted try behind was gone.

With injury time starting, Saracens attacked one final time to score down the left.

Saracens claimed the win but with a better first-half, North could have emerged with something from the game.

North Bristol scorers. Tries - Scott Flannigan, Joel Phillips, Mark Sterry Conversions - Joel Phillips (2)