Saracens U-17s 28
Thornbury U-17s 14
The second round of the County Cup saw a home tie for Saracens against Thornbury in the third encounter of the two sides this season.
Saracens came out fired up and their early commitment paid off when centre Matt Reynolds broke the Thornbury defence to run over Saras' first try within a minute of the start to take a 7-0 lead.
Despite the strong start, it was Thornbury who went on the offensive and with Saras conceding far too many penalties, they found themselves under pressure and lucky to retain their lead.
Their defence held firm however and the tide began to turn in their favour.
It was winger Josh Holder who finally settled nerves when he beat the Thornbury defence in a 60-yard kick and chase to move Saras into a 14 – 0 lead.
Saras began to move the ball though the backs and came close on more than one occasion after some impressive running and quick handling.
It was Thornbury who scored next after an interception and a sprint for the line but Saras retained their composure and went to the break 14-7 ahead.
The second half saw Saracens play with much greater structure and a much reduced penalty count.
After a period of great rucking from the forwards, Ryan White broke free and using his strength to power through the Thornbury defence, he scored after just four minutes. With Harry Lodge maintaining his 100 per cent conversion rate, Saras moved into a 21-7 lead.
Saras' forwards played with discipline retaining the ball well and winning the battle in the middle of the park.
After a line out ball led to an impressive forwards drive, Saras' number eight Alex Rooke peeled off to drive over his second try in as many games and Saras' fourth of the day.
To their credit, Thornbury never gave up and despite a late try from the visitors, Saracens never looked under serious threat and closed out the game to a 28-14 County Cup victory and three successive wins this season over the Bristol side.