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Rugby Union

Saracens through despite defeat

02/12/2007

Saracens have qualified for the semi-finals of the EDF Energy Cup despite losing 36-32 to Llanelli Scarlets at Stradey Park yesterday.

The English side were able to stay ahead of their Welsh rivals in the group table after picking up bonus points for scoring four tries and losing by less than seven points.

Llanelli fly-half Stephen Jones gave the Scarlets an early lead after kicking two penalties but Saracens were rewarded for their greater pressure midway through the first half when the referee sin-binned Simon Easterby and then signalled for a penalty try.

Although the visitors dominated possession in the first half it was Llanelli who took a lead into the break. A superb breakaway try from Scott MacLeod gave the home side a 16-7 advantage.

The Scarlets started the second half as they had ended the first when Jones touched down for their second try only for Saracens to hit back immediately through Adam Powell.

Llanelli were not deterred however and continued to attack the visitors. They broke through twice in quick succession thanks to Jonathan Davies and Garan Evans to give themselves a 19-point lead.

But Saracens fought back, first Kameli Ratuvou dived over in the corner and then they were awarded another penalty try as the Llanelli scrum collapsed once too often.

Substitute Andy Farrell then kicked the vital penalty that got Saracens to within seven points of the Scarlets to put them into the next round

Elsewhere Newcastle Falcons lost to Wasps 24-6 despite the return of Jonny Wilkinson.

The London side scored two tries in the first half and led 18-0 at the break. Newcastle introduced Carl Hayman at half time but he could not stem the tide as Wasps qualified for the knockout stages.