Beer can help us, says Sarries boss

Saracens coach Wayne Shelford is taking an old-fashioned rugby approach to a first defeat of the season by inviting his players out on the lash.

After seeing their early title credentials dented by a frantic defeat to London Irish at the Madejski Stadium yesterday, the Sarries boss said:'We need to go to the pub tonight, talk about things over a few drinks and then come into training the next day and put them into action. A lot of good things happen over a

few pints of beer.' Perhaps grateful Irish could put a few barrels of Guinness aside as a thank-you for a first win of the season. Only some comical finishing prevented a total whitewash.

After taking a 10th-minute lead through a Nicky Little penalty, Saracens, trying to extend their 100 per cent record, spent the next halfhour almost entirely pinned in their own 22. The home side seemed determined to waste the mountain of possession which came their way.

It was only a matter of time, however, before even stuttering Irish turned pressure into points. After a Barry Everitt penalty had tied the score, the flyhalf touched down in the left corner and converted.

A couple of missed penalties allowed Saracens to stay in touch at 10-3 but, just before the break, a superb solo try from Paul Sackey gave Irish some breathing room. After a rare foray into home territory had broken down, the winger picked up a loose ball inside his own 22, chipped over Kris Chesney and ran all the way to the line, touching down despite being scragged by Ben Johnston.

That made it 15-3 and, after an Everitt penalty early in the second half stretched the lead further, Irish captain Ben Strudwick put the contest beyond doubt by muscling over from two yards.