Prop George Graham added a third try for the visitors after forward Hugh Vyvyan won a lineout and the pack muscled their way over Saracens' goalline. Wilkinson again converted before full back Walder added a drop goal to put the visitors well in command. But to their credit, Saracens battled back and deservedly reduced the deficit to just five points after 60 minutes when Ben Johnston touched down and Smith converted.
Saracens chief executive Francois Pienaar was left frustrated by the decision-making of the referee.
He said: 'I went into the ref's dressing room to express my disappointment. It is the first time I have ever done that and I did it in a reasonable manner. I cannot say too much about it because if we criticise referees we are now said to be bringing the game into disrepute.'
While Pienaar may have been guarded, Saracens' main cause of complaint is believed to have been some questionable lineout calls. Saracens owner Nigel Wray was not so restrained and questioned the referee along with the RFU's decision to clamp down on criticism of match officials. He said: 'I think it is stupid. You should be able to criticise the referee. I can be criticised so why can't the referee?'
Andrew's bone of contention lay with the exclusion of May from Clive Woodward's squad of 60 elite players announced this week.
He said: 'Tom had another outstanding game today - that is why I can't understand how Stuart Abbott, who has just arrived from South Africa and hasn't even started a game this season, can be included and Tom is not.'
