Saracens keep hopes of top two finish alive with 27-9 win over Bristol

Saracens 27-9 Bristol Rugby, Allianz Park
Scorecard

Saracens have maintained their chances of securing a home semi-final berth following a 27-9 bonus point victory over Bristol in their Aviva Premiership clash at Allianz Park on Saturday.

The defending champions now have 77 points from 21 games and will be hoping to finish the league stage on a high but will need either Wasps or Exeter Chiefs to lose their final encounter to reach the top two position.

After the first quarter went without a point, Bristol centre Gavin Henson kicked three successive penalties to take them to a nine point lead which was reduced to six following Owen Farrell's three pointer in the 35th minute.

Mark McCall's men showed more intent in the second half as Chris Ashton (45) scored the first try in the game while replacement Petrus du Plessis crossed over twice along with a touchdown from Nick Tompkins to seal a 27-9 victory along with a bonus point while Bristol failed to add any point in the last 40 minutes.