Saracens beat blunt Bristol to go 10 points clear

Max Malins scored his eighth try of the season for Saracens

Saracens overcame Bristol 25-10 in an attritional contest to extend their perfect Premiership start with an eighth straight win.

Goode added two more penalties before Harry Thacker drove over to get Bristol up and running.

Two more kicks took Goode to 20 points before Jono Benz-Salomon's consolation.

• Premiership standings

It was only the second time this season that Saracens failed to claim a try bonus-point, but it was more than enough to beat a below-par Bears and restore their 10-point cushion to second-placed Sale.

A pre-match downpour and a host of changes may have hindered both sides as the opening half-hour saw plenty of kicking tennis, but very little rugby and no opportunities for points.

Missing a big contingent on international duty, Saracens made five changes, while centre Joe Jenkins became Bristol's youngest-ever Premiership starter, making his debut alongside fellow academy player Deago Bailey.

A backs-to-the-wall Bears defence held out Sarries on their own line as a game finally broke out, before a moment of brilliance put the visitors ahead after 33 minutes.

Spotting space, Malins chipped a kick behind the Bristol defence, chased it down and kicked ahead before outpacing the chasers for his eighth Premiership try of the season.

Having barely got out of first gear, the Saracens lead began to grow ominously, courtesy of Goode's boot, against an uncharacteristically defensive display from Bears.

Goode completed a hat-trick of penalties early in the second half, via both posts, and pressure from Sarries pack at the scrum gave him a fourth shot at goal.

The home fans were finally given something to cheer when Thacker drove over from a maul for his third try in two games, moments after having a try chalked off for crossing.

But Sarries continued to grind and Goode completed a perfect evening off the tee with two more penalties.

The visitors had kept Bristol out of good attacking field position, but had the final word when Benz-Salomon went over from close-range.

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Bristol: Morahan, Bailey, Jenkins, Bedlow, Ibitoye, Sheedy, Porter; Thomas, Byrne, Tyack, Holmes, Batley, Bradbury, Heenan, Harding.

Replacements: Thacker, Woolmore, Benz-Salomon, Hawkins, Thomas, Uren, Lloyd, Bates.

Saracens: Malins, Lewington, Daly, Lozowski, Maitland, Goode, van Zyl, Hislop, Dan, Riccioni, Hunter-Hill, Tizard, Christie, Earl, Wray.

Replacements: Lewis, Flynn, Clarey, Kitchener, Knight, Simpson, Hallett, Howe.

Referee: Jack Makepeace (RFU).