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Tue 17 Jan 2017 | 01:19
Saracens secure draw with hard fought Chris Ashton try in extra time

12
Comments

In what was a thrilling match against a tough Scarlets side, Chris Ashton managed to slide across the line during extra time for his second score to help European Champions Cup holders Saracens remain undefeated in the competition.

The draw secures Saracens a spot in the final eight as they remain at the top of Pool 3.

Scarlets held the lead 22-15 with under a minute left when Saracens started the attack that would lead to the eventual score. At this point they were also playing with 14 as Will Skelton had been sent off for a swipe he had taken at opposing flanker James Davies. 

With his side down a man, Owen Farrell made two line breaks, the second of which allowed him to hook up with Ashton for the score. 

It was no surprise to Mark McCall, Saracens director of rugby. "Both his tries were just the sort of tries we are accustomed to seeing him scoring... They were outstanding support lines. It is what he has been doing for years and years."

Saracens will need to defeat Toulon to secure winning the pool and a home quarter final.

Credit: Rugby XV

Posted By: davidharper

12 Comments

  • stroudos
    9:41 AM 20/01/2017

    Do you know what? I just watched it again and realised that George and Ashton were both off their feet and there's really no ruck formed here, so Scarletts 23 was entitled to use his hands as far as I am concerned.

    Doesn't alter the fact that the ref was screaming "no hands no hands" right in his ear, but yeah the ref's interpretation here was perhaps debatable.

  • stroudos
    9:37 AM 20/01/2017

    It's as clear a penalty as I've seen in a long time. Ruck formed, no hands allowed.
    Ref:"No hands, no hands!"
    Red 23: *reaches out and grabs the ball with his hand, directly under the ref's nose*

  • tphillipsstl
    3:36 PM 18/01/2017

    That was a poor decision on the penalty. But I guess that's rugby today, not allowed to compete for the ball at the breakdown.

  • drg
    12:23 PM 18/01/2017

    Ahhh "The Crunch", I've always wondered what the French was for 'Le Crunch'....

  • oliver
    10:46 AM 18/01/2017

    very impressive from Farrell! Can't wait for the crunch....

    As a sidenote, I hope Ashton doesn't overtake Clerc, one of the nicest guys in the game probably (nicknamed "ideal son in law" by french fans haha....married to Guy Noves'daughter)

  • stroudos
    4:09 PM 17/01/2017

    Why not indeed? At the moment, I reckon Farrell is England's best 12 and England's best 10 at the same time..

  • stroudos
    4:08 PM 17/01/2017

    I couldn't help imagining Stuart Barnes's voice as I read this:

    "Ashton: "unlucky guys, you played really well, Lions tour coming up so chins up, you'll be ok"
    George: "Ashton mate, it ain't over til it's over, stop kissing the taffies and get back!""

  • drg
    2:55 PM 17/01/2017

    Looks a lot like that to me Stroudos! I can only hope it was something like:
    Ashton: "unlucky guys, you played really well, Lions tour coming up so chins up, you'll be ok"
    George: "Ashton mate, it ain't over til it's over, stop kissing the taffies and get back!"


    But I'd imagine it was something more:
    Ashton: "hahaha useless pricks, I'll have you all day any day!"

    It's funny, Ashton is both a sore loser and a bad winner... Humble players have always appealed to me, or players that let their rugby do the talking (as you said) or players that loom eerily around with big eye brows or big fists, that you know you should just try and avoid where you can...

  • im1
    12:00 PM 17/01/2017

    great finish, but that was absolute class from Farrell. At what point should be be considered as the starting 10 for England. I'm a big fan of Ford, but considering the strength England have in the centres (couldn't Daly play 12?) isn't Farrell doing enough at 10 for Sarries to be worth freeing up a space in the centres? And also for the Lions... Sexton is the favourite for 10, and rightly so, but what are the chances his hamstring gives up (again). And the Lions 12/13 position is going to be very competitive, so if Farrell could play 10, then why not?

  • stroudos
    11:56 AM 17/01/2017

    Oh dear, what's happening around the 3:03 mark? Is Jamie George having to remind Ashton not to act like a bell-end? Presumably barracking the Scarlets players? For Christ's sake man, just let your rugby do the talking.

    Impressed by Farrell here - both for the team motivation and a superb attacking line, awareness and quality pass.

    I did wonder why Ashton chose to run back towards the tacklers, but who cares I suppose, he scored the try...

  • guy
    11:37 AM 17/01/2017

    In all honesty: nice to see Ashton still score tries.

  • jimmy23
    11:07 AM 17/01/2017

    Two games that had an absolute thriller of an ending on the weekend, this one and Wasps vs Toulouse!

    Sadly for me, this game will be marred by rugby's most recent bit of Oscar bait acting from James Davies, I have no doubt that'll be highlighted and discussed.

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