Prem Rugby Cup: Leicester 17-19 Saracens – Sarries continue winning start

Prem Rugby Cup

Leicester Tigers (7) 17

Tries: Stooke, Moli Cons: Bailey 2 Pen: Bailey

Saracens (0) 19

Tries: Elliott, Va’enuku, Hadfield Cons: Davidson, Keylock

Saracens left it late to secure a third-straight Prem Rugby Cup win with a hard-fought victory over winless Leicester Tigers in the driving wind and rain at Welford Road.

The visitors had trailed since Elliot Stooke got the opening try for the Tigers shortly before the break, but James Hadfield’s converted score with four minutes remaining put Saracens in front for the first time and they held on.

Sarries move a point behind Group B leaders Harlequins, while a fourth defeat in a row for holders Leicester means their title defence is now all but over.

Stooke’s converted try for the hosts gave them a 7-0 lead at the break but the game opened up slightly after the interval.

Saracens’ Tobias Elliott and Tigers hooker Sam Moli traded tries before Sione Va’enuku crossed for the visitors to set up a tense finale, which Hadfield and the extra two points from Finn Keylock ultimately decided.