Faz off the mark in Sarries win
By Ben Blackmore
Last Updated: 01/01/70 1:00am
Andy Farrell scored one of Saracens' five tries in the 35-13 victory over Northampton.
Andy Farrell grabbed his first try since switching codes to help Saracens ease to a 35-13 victory at Franklin's Gardens.
The former rugby league star grabbed one of five tries for the visitors after they had fallen behind early on.
Vaughan Going's try after just two minutes appeared to get Northampton off to a perfect start in front of their own fans.
The full-back cut inside the defence from 20 metres out and ran in his first try for Saints since joining them from Guinness Premiership rivals Bristol.
However, Sarries - their pack in particular - finally began to warm up after being caught cold at the start.
Neil de Kock's opportunist effort, coming from the base of a ruck, cancelled out Northampton's opening try.
Farrell then put his side in front, Stephen Myler - also a 13-man convert slipping to allow the centre an easy score under the posts, which Glen Jackson converted.
The fly-half also added the extras following Hugh Vyvyan's try which was awarded despite the flanker appearing to make a double movement to get the ball over the line.
A 21-7 half-time score left Northampton with much to do and, although they did improve after the break, they struggled to dent Sarries' defence.
Farrell showed his kicking talents with several excellent clearances to help keep the Saints at bay.
The crucial moment of the match came with 15 minutes to play when Ben Skirving grabbed the first of his late brace of tries.
The number eight burst free from a ruck to run in unopposed from 30 metres out and seal his side a precious bonus point.
His second score owed much to the efforts of his fellow forwards as he was left with the simple task of planting the ball down after a dominant drive from the pack.
Jackson was on target with his fifth conversion to maintain his perfect record and wrap up an excellent away day for the London club.
