Ashton scores try on return as Saracens defeat Newcastle 21-6

Saracens 21-6 Newcastle Falcons, Allianz Park
Scorecard

Chris Ashton made a return to the game after a 13-week ban with a try as the defending champions Saracens outplayed Newcastle Falcons by 21-6 in their Aviva Premiership encounter on Saturday at Allianz Park.

After Joel Hodgson and his counterpart Owen Farrell exchanged penalties, the Newcastle fly-half took his team to lead with his second penalty in the 11th minute.

The lead was short lived as centre Marcelo Bosch crossed over in the 19th minute for Saracens with skipper Farrell adding the extras.

Just at the stroke of half-time, Farrell scored his second penalty as Saracens ended the first half with a 13-6 lead over Newcastle Falcons.

The second half saw the visitors trying to match Sarries with their impressive defence for most part of it but a 69th minute penalty from Farrell saw them stretch the lead to 10 points while Ashton, who played for 30 minutes coming from the bench marked his presence when he rumbled past the right corner in the 75th minute.

Saracens continue to top the table despite failing to secure the bonus point. However, Wasps are breathing around their neck with both teams separated by points difference.

Saracens rugby director Mark McCall lauded the efforts of Ashton, who is set to move to Toulon at the end of the ongoing season.

"It is good to have Chris back in the team and scoring tries. It wasn't the best game for him to come back for but he got his name on the scoresheet.

"His attitude in training has been fine. He's been waiting for this chance to play again and now he's keen to get a couple of starts.

"We now just want to see more of what he's given the club over the last four years."