KYRAN BRACKEN marked his return after nearly three months out injured with an inspired performance that carried Saracens to their first league away win of the season on Saturday.

The decorated scrum-half, one of just two survivors from the last Sarries side to win at The Rec in 2001, marshalled his dominant pack superbly and produced a masterclass in the art of box kicking to set up the Men in Black's first win on their travels since May.

A 38th minute try from Richard Haughton, his second in as many weeks, and eight points from the boot of Glen Jackson secured the win that cements Sarries' position in eighth spot, but it was a remarkable defensive display that laid the foundations for the four points.

The Men in Black leaked four tries in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season, but with defensive guru Mike Ford, missing that day due to his commitment with Ireland, back at the helm Sarries looked rock-solid in defence and only the top three now boast a better a better defensive record.

Bath caused Sarries more than a few anxious moments, particularly in the last ten minutes when they camped themselves in the Sarries 22, but the visitors, by hook or by crook, withstood everything the home could throw at them and the fact that they held on spoke volumes for their character and resilience.

Sarries suffered a blow before kick-off when Cobus Visagie and Alex Sanderson were both ruled out through illness and injury, and they found themselves three points down inside two minutes when the metronomic Olly Barkley landed a penalty from 30 metres.

However Sarries hit back in style, scoring 13 unanswered points either side of half time. Jackson kicked Sarries level and then converted Haughton's try, two minutes before half-time, that was created by the brilliance of the returning Castaignede.

Jackson slotted another penalty shortly after half-time, but from then on it all was all Bath as they threw everything at Sarries. However, the home side could only muster another penalty from Barkley and Sarries held on for a morale-boosting victory that leaves them in fine fettle ahead of back-to-back cup quarter-finals.

For a more comprehensive report and all the news ahead of the clash with Brive on Sunday, don't miss Friday's edition of The Watford Observer.