The battle in the scrum was crucial, as it was against Dings last week. Saracens continued their success in this area by driving over the line to score from five metres, as well as providing the backs with a consistent platform to attack from.

The first half saw Saracens playing uphill, into the wind and rain against an energetic Ashley Down side. Weathering the half without conceding points, Saracens took an advantage through a late score by Sam Hewings.

Saracens changed gear in the second half and put three tries away to seal the win. These included an outstanding team try, starting with a scrum and finished with a storming run by big centre Ellis Lymer; a flop by prop forward Matty Pike got another, for once not coming up short; and an absolute poach by Billy Jeanes who also flopped on the ball, but also took out his captain’s knee at the base of the scrum once the front five did the hard work getting over the line.

Billy’s shear audacity is only matched by his 'positive' energy and abundance of forgiveness when a player makes a mistake…a complete scrum half. His well-rounded game earned him man of the match and a place in 1XV going into their next game.

DOTD goes to Andrew Sallabank for his yellow card, his second time in as many games. Perhaps he just likes the shirt?

Special thanks to Nicko for keeping an eye on the changing rooms until the last players arrived whilst everyone else was warming up in the cold and wet, to Llew Lloyd who helped us out last minute, and to Ashley Down for giving everything until the final whistle.

This weekend was a tough time for our players and the club after losing close friends during the week. Our thoughts are with them, and we hope some consolation can be found in the way both teams took to the field and came away victorious.