Saracens kept up the pressure on leaders Exeter with a comeback win against bottom side Newcastle Falcons, who were denied a precious bonus point.

Two counter-attacking Saracens tries from Sean Maitland and Max Malins in either half punished the Falcons.

Sonatane Takulua's goalkicking kept the visitors in the game, landing four of his shots from the tee.

However, Nick Tompkins' try from a maul and Alex Lozowski's final play score cruelly snatched away the bonus.

Sarries picked up their own bonus point with Lozowski's try, and edged closer to securing their top-four play-off place.

More to follow.

Saracens: Malins; Maitland, Lozowski, Tompkins, Williams; Farrell (capt), Spencer; Barrington, Woolstencroft, Koch, Itoje, Kruis, Rhodes, Burger, Earl.

Replacements: Tolofua, Adams-Hale, Lamositele, Isiekwe, Clark, Whiteley, Morris, Lewington.

Newcastle: Tait; Goneva, Harris, Matavesi, Sinoti; Flood (capt), Takulua; Mulipola, McGuigan, Ah You, Olmstead, Green, Graham, Hardie, Chick.

Replacements: Cooper, Lockwood, Wilson, Robinson, Witty, Stuart, Connon, Dunbar.

Referee: Karl Dickson.

For the latest rugby union news follow @bbcrugbyunion on Twitter.

Let's block ads! (Why?)