Trusty Hodgson kicks Sarries to win over Wasps
SARACENS boss Mark McCall knows full well the impact Charlie Hodgson has had on Saracens this season but he insisted he delivered more than he expected in yesterday’s 29-24 Aviva Premiership win over Wasps.
The 31-year-old kicked seven penalties in another assured performance with the boot at Vicarage Road, taking his total points tally in the Premiership this season to 90.
Alistair Hargreaves scored Saracens’ sole try but Wasps, who led 5-3 early on thanks to Tom Varndell, did earn a losing bonus point thanks to Charlie Davies’ late score.
But there was no doubting the star performer for McCall, though he believes Hodgson’s performance was a little bit more special than usual.
“Charlie has had a phenomenal season. We’ve played some good rugby in the last few weeks and Charlie’s been instrumental in that, but this was a little bit different,” said McCall. “In the second half we were much better and I thought Charlie controlled the game really well. He used the breaks there were and we spent a lot of time in their half.”
London Welsh left it until the death to win their third game of the Aviva Premiership as Gordon Ross’s penalty and Nick Scott’s try helped the Exiles down Bath 16-9.
Harlequins staved off a late comeback to beat Gloucester 28-25 and remain top but level on points with Saracens on Saturday. London Irish became the first team to suffer defeat to Sale, after tries from Nick Macleod and Johnny Leota earned a 21-9 win.
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