Saracens dominate Newcastle in PREM Rugby Cup clash

Newcastle Red Bulls 12-35 Saracens, Kingston Park

Saracens strengthened their push towards the PREM Rugby Cup knockouts with a convincing 35–12 victory over Newcastle Red Bulls at a rain-lashed Kingston Park.

In difficult conditions, the visitors showed greater control and accuracy to score five tries and record their third consecutive win in the competition.

Saracens made the brighter start and pinned Newcastle back early. Sustained pressure forced the hosts into infringing at the breakdown, and Nathan Greenhood was shown a yellow card after nine minutes for killing the ball.

The visitors made the advantage count, patiently working through the phases before Harry Wilson forced his way over from close range. Louie Johnson added the conversion to make it 7–0.

Newcastle responded midway through the half after a series of Saracens penalties. Former Saracen Max Clark stepped through the defence to score, and the conversion levelled the match. Olamide Sodeke was also sin-binned shortly after, reducing both sides to 14.

With handling difficult in the heavy rain, chances were limited, but Saracens struck decisively on the stroke of half-time. A midfield break opened space for Charlie Bracken, who ran in under the posts. Johnson converted to give Saracens a 14–7 lead at the break.

Saracens extended their advantage immediately after the restart as Angus Hall powered over following sharp work in midfield, Johnson again converting.

The try bonus point arrived just before the hour when a driving maul saw Harvey Beaton score. Moments later, Alex Lozowski’s dummy created space for Gareth Simpson to cross under the posts and stretch the lead to 35-7.

Newcastle did rally late, with Greenwood finishing in the corner, but Saracens’ defence held firm in the closing stages. Despite the conditions, the visitors managed the game well to close out a deserved 35–12 win and keep their campaign firmly on track.

Team line up:

Newcastle: Chamberlain; Coetzee, Clark, Beeckmans, Greenwood, Hutchison, Elliott; Hancock, Gordon, De Bruin, Cardall, Baker, Parsons (c), Neild, Lockwood.

Reserves: Renwick, Rewcastle, Palframan, Bolam, de Chaves, Waugh, Obatoyinbo, Stuart.

Saracens: Hall; Keylock, Lozowski, Hartley, Jackson; Johnson, Bracken, Brantingham, Hadfield, Tuimauga, Isiekwe, Sodeke, Wilson, West, Michelow (c).

Reserves: Clarke, O'Driscoll, Beaton, Adegbemile, Hammick, Simpson, Davidson, Morrow.