Tom Willis double puts Saracens back on track against Bristol after humbling

01/04/2025 02:51 PM

• Saracens 35-26 Bristol
• Back-rower stars in Sarries' bonus-point victory

In the unpredictable world of top-flight rugby here was a result we could all understand. Bristol arrived in north London on a record-­breaking run of 10 away wins but hindered by significant injuries. They rarely looked likely to seriously trouble a full-strength Saracens, hungry to atone for last Saturday's record thrashing by Bath.

The Bears have never won at this venue, and a debut victory would have been a fitting way to celebrate Ilona Maher's bow for the women's side at Ashton Gate today. But two first-half tries by Sarries' No 8 Tom Willis – the second one of the best, most fleet-footed finishes you will see from a forward – helped Mark McCall's men take a grip on the contest they never relinquished.