Jackson converts
Saracens were positive from the outset and it was clear that Bristol were never going to be in contention. The pattern of the game was readily apparent with Jackson forcing Bristol back with excellent kicking from hand, in marked contrast to Bristol's efforts. Saracens took the lead after just 10 minutes when Jackson, having made the kick, was able to set up prop Aguero for a run at the line that was barely troubled by ineffectual tackling. Jackson made no mistake with his conversion for a lead of 7 - 0.
It was just five minutes before they were over the line again. Saull made a fine break through the heart of an absent Bristol defence. Just halted five or so metres from the line, he made a sharp offload to Barritt who was following up on the flankers left. He touched down by the posts for a converted try. This gave the hosts a thoroughly deserved 14 - 0 lead. However, sloppy play allowed Bristol to strike back with Shaun Perry flicking the ball out wide to stretch the defence where Scott Linklater popped up in the line to dive over. Ed Barnes made the difficult conversion to give Bristol some hope at 14 - 7.
That hope took a body blow when Linklater was soon forced from the field with a leg injury. Stung by Bristol's riposte Jackson emphasised Saracen's dominance with two successful penalty kicks in quick succession. One seemed particularly cruel as it looked as if Neil Brew had seized upon a Saracens' error to race in from half way to score under the posts. Play was brought back for a Bristol misdemeanour and Jackson made no mistake in sending his side in at half time with a comfortable 23 - 7 lead.
The second half saw the game unfold to a similar pattern, although it was Barnes who narrowed the gap to 23 - 10 with a penalty after five minutes of the half. In a manner all too typical of this season, Bristol then gave away points just after scoring themselves. Saracens went for the corner from a penalty and Skirving dived in at the corner for a converted try (with the ball striking the post before going over) and 30 - 10. Barnes then saw another penalty effort sail over to take Bristol to 30 - 13.
Any realistic chance for Bristol was lost with just seven minutes left when replacement hooker David Blaney saw yellow for being on the wrong side at a ruck. Saracens ruthlessly exploited their advantage by kicking the penalty to touch. The lineout was won and former B**h stalwart Borthwick was driven over for the bonus point try. Jackson's replacement Ross duly converted and Saracens closed out the game as 37 - 13 winners. News of Newcastle's win over Gloucester had already been picked up by the travelling Bristol support and these two results leave Bristol's Premiership future hanging by a thread.
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