McCall: Tough for us to lose like that

SARACENS’ director of rugby Mark McCall was disappointed to lose in the last minute.

He said: “It was a very valuable exercise for the youngsters to play away in the Premiership so to lose in that fashion was painful for them but they will learn from it.

“We did a lot of good things to get into a winning position as we were much better in the second half.

“Despite not having our first choice side, we expect to win these games and we outplayed Worcester at times.”

MATCH STATS…

TEAMS

WORCESTER: Pennell 8, Adams 8, Olivier 6, Te’o 5, Howe 5, Weir 6, Hougaard 8 (Arr 66, 6) Waller 8, Annett 7 (Black 66, 6) (Singleton 49, 6), Schonert 7 (Milasinovich 48-55, 66 6) Bresler 7, Fatialofa 7 (Kitchener 51, 6), Hill 7, Van-velze (c) 8, Du-Preez 6 (Lewis 51, 6)

Not used: Shillcock, Hearle

SARACENS: Gallagher 7, Strettle 5 (Segun 49, 6), Tompkins 7, Bosch 7 (Griffiths 64, 6), Lewington 6, Vunipola 6 (Taylor 74, 6), Whiteley 8, Figallo 6 (Thompson-Stringer 55, 6), Gray 7 (Woolstencroft 49, 6), Judge 6 (Walker 57, 6), Isiekwe 7, Day 6 (Kpoku 49, 6), Clark (c) 8, Earl 7, Burger 8 (Christie 64, 6)

REFEREE: Adam Earl

ATTENDANCE: 9,125

Star man

Chris Pennell – Worcester

Young scrum-half Tom Whiteley was Saracens’ star with a 19-point haul. He said: “We were the better team for most of the match but ill-discipline cost us at the finish.

“It was disappointing to lose as it’s the last game of the season for many of us but it was nice to have the responsibility of goal-kicking for the first time in the Premiership.”

Next up for Saracens is a home semi-final against Gloucester on Saturday as they seek a Premiership and European double.

McCall said: “Gloucester have been the most improved side in the competition. They have threats all over the field and have two high class quality half-backs.”