Saracens 26-19 Bath

Saracens took advantage of Harlequins' slip up on Friday night to move to within three points of the leaders with a 26-19 win over Bath

The visitors did race into an early lead after just six minutes as World Cup winning fly-half Stephen Donald began to justify some of the money and faith invested in him by scoring his first Premiership try. Sarries have a formidable home record though and are yet to lose at Vicarage Road this season. And they showed exactly why they are so difficult to beat on their home turf when, despite being down to fourteen men after prop Rhys Gill was sinbinned, captain Steve Borthwick dived over for a try against his former club. Donald registered three points for Bath before the home side were back up to their full complement but the lead did not last long. England hopeful Owen Farrell recovered from two missed penalties to succeed with two further attempts, giving his team a 13-10 half-time advantage. The West Country outfit's cause was not helped moments into the second period when their star fly-half Donald had to be replaced by Tom Heathcote after picking up a shoulder injury. Heathcote more than played his part as the half wore on though and he exchanged penalties with Farrell before the Saracens number ten missed another two penalties, which could have given his side some breathing space. Bath remained in contention until ten minutes from time when Sarries' left winger Chris Wyles stepped inside his opposite number and crossed to give the Londoners a ten point lead. Heathcote and Farrell then slotted over a penalty apiece shortly afterwards before Heathcote stepped up once more with the last kick of the match to draw Bath within seven points at 26-19 and give the visitors the consolation of a losing bonus point.