Falcons secure Premiership safety despite defeat

Newcastle Falcons have retained their Premiership status despite losing to Saracens.

The Falcons were beaten 23-14 against the league leaders at Allianz Park, London. But as London Irish failed to beat Harlequins, the Falcons have still guaranteed their place in next season's top flight.

Marcus Watson's brace had given Newcastle a shock 14-3 lead at half-time. However, Saracens hit back with a commanding second-half display.

Jackson Wray scored the home side’s second try on 55 minutes, with Charlie Hodgson’s conversion putting Saracens a point ahead.

The fly-half extended that margin further with a penalty from 40 metres out just before the hour mark. Maro Itoje then delivered the killer blow to the Falcons with final try of the match.

Despite the result, Newcastle could at least celebrate the consolation of Premiership survival.

Newcastle Falcons Simon Hammersley, Alex Tait, Chris Harris, Adam Powell (T Penny, 71), Marcus Watson, Craig Willis (T Catterick, 70), Michael Young (R Tipuna, 70); Rob Vickers (A Rogers, 67), George McGuigan (R Hawkins, 71), Taione Vea (A Foster 50-65), Mouritz Botha (R Mayhew, 62), Sean Robinson (C Green, 35), Will Welch (captain), Dan Temm, Mark Wilson.

Falcons scorersTries: Watson (2)Conversions: Willis (2)

Saracens Ben Ransom, Chris Ashton, Marcelo Bosch, Brad Barritt (captain, N Tompkins, 73), Chris Wyles, Charlie Hodgson (N Mordt, 76), Richard Wigglesworth (B Spencer, 56); Richard Barrington (M Vunipola, 40), Jared Saunders (S Brits, 56), Titi Lamositele (Juan Figallo, 40), Maro Itoje, Jim Hamilton, Michael Rhodes, Jacques Burger (K Brown, 53), Jackson Wray.

Saracens scorersTries: Wray (2), Itoje Conversions: Hodgson Penalties: Hodgson