Despite an impressive showing from the Cherry & Whites, including four tries – two from Val Rapava-Ruskin – it was the men from North London who claimed victory on Saturday afternoon, a 79th minute score securing a 2-point win in the Gallagher Premiership.

The home side opened the scoreboard at the StoneX Stadium for this round three clash, Max Malins dotting down in the corner after the winger found space to put his team inside the 22, recollecting the ball from Farrell to cross the whitewash.

Gloucester were rewarded for their patience with their opening score, replacement Rapava-Ruskin reaching for the line on his 100th Premiership appearance after a period of sustained attacking pressure. Hastings evened the score with 20 minutes played. 7-7

A penalty from Farrell nudged Saracens ahead by three soon after, quickly followed by a second score for the home team. Elliot Daly found Ben Earl unmanned and, with space to roam, the flanker crossed close to the posts. With the extras from Farrell, Saracens went ahead by 10. 17-7

Hasting narrowed the margin minutes later after Christian Judge was deemed not to have rolled away after the tackle. 17-10

A period of infringements followed from both sides - adding to a stop-start opening half. Farrell opted for the posts when referee Craig Maxwell-Keys signalled for the penalty - Gloucester pinged for being off their feet - putting his side back to 10 points clear.

Gloucester finished the first half with a familiar sight; a powerful driving maul putting Albert Tuisue over for his first try in the Cherry & White jersey. After two tries a-piece, the visitors went it trailing by three at the break: 17-20.

The visitors started the second half in familiar fashion to how they closed out the first, a powerful forward platform creating space out wide to put Chris Harris over, after some neat link play between Louis Rees-Zammit and Lloyd Evans. Hastings’ kick bounced off the post. 20-22

A resurgent Gloucester crossed for a second score of the half is as many minutes, Hasting expertly staying within the touchline despite cover defence from Earl and Malins, touching down in the corner. The fly-half converted his own try to put Gloucester ahead by nine. 20-29

With the StoneX crowd increasingly quiet, Saracens rung the changes, England duo Jamie George and Mako Vunipola replaced by Eroni Mawi and Tom Woolstencroft. It wasn’t to prove effective in stalling Gloucester’s growing confidence, though, as Rapava-Ruskin raced through from the back of the maul to secure his second try. Hasting completed the score to take Gloucester ahead by 16. 20-36

Replacement Josh Hallett ensured the home side stayed within reach with less than 20 remaining, the centre muscling over the line after a dominant effort from the forward pack. Farrell added the extras. 27-36

Gloucester were awarded the chance to extend their lead with 10 minutes remaining, Saracens penalised for side entry. Hastings secured the three points from just inside the opposition half. 27-39

With four minutes remaining, Saracens narrowed the margin to within five, Tom Woolstencroft sliding past the Gloucester defence to put his side back within a score. Farrell maintained his form with the boot. 34-39.

It was heartbreak for Gloucester fans as the seconds closed out, an attacking line-out seeing Saracens storm over from close range, Jackson Wray claiming the spoils. A conversion would see the London men take victory at the StoneX and with Owen Farrell in the hot seat, it wasn’t to be for the Cherry and Whites.

Final score 41-39

Gloucester

Lloyd Evans; Louis Rees-Zammit, Chris Harris, Mark Atkinson, Ollie Thorley; Adam Hastings, Ben Meehan; Harry Elrington, Jack Singleton, Fraser Balmain, Freddie Clarke, Alex Craig, Ruan Ackermann (c), Harry Taylor, Albert Tuisue

Replacements

Santiago Socino (61), Val Rapava-Ruskin (14), Jamal Ford-Roboinson (60), Cameron Jordan, Jordy Reid, Charlie Chapman (65), Billy Twelvetrees (14), Kyle Moyle

Saracens

Elliot Daly; Max Malins, Alex Lozowski, Duncan Taylor, Alex Lewington; Owen Farrell (c), Ivan van Zyl; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Christian Judge, Theo McFarland, Hugh Tizard, Andy Christie, Ben Earl, Billy Vunipola

Replacements

Tom Woolstencroft, Eroni Mawi, Alec Clarey, Callum Hunter-Hill, Jackson Wray, Ruben de Haas, Manu Vunipola, Josh Hallett

Sarries edge win despite Gloucester second-half surge

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