Premiership Hodgson kicks Saracens back to winning ways

Charlie Hodgson kicked 20 points as 14-man Saracens bounced back from last weekend's defeat to Wasps by beating Gloucester 25-12 in the Premiership.

After losing their first home game of the season last time out, leaders Saracens were quickly out of the blocks at Allianz Park and were ahead within four minutes as Ben Ransom collected his own chip through to score.

The trusty boots of Hodgson and James Hook ensured both sides kept the scoreboard ticking over, before Saracens saw Schalk Brits sent off for punching Nick Wood on the half hour.

Gloucester enjoyed plenty of breaks before half-time through Ross Moriarty, Billy Twelvetrees and Mark Atkinson, but remained seven adrift due to Hodgson's boot.

Another four penalties from Saracens' reliable fly-half came in the second half as the disciplined league leaders cruised to victory despite their numerical disadvantage.

There was a try fest at Sixways as Worcester Warriors and Sale Sharks shared seven between them, the Warriors running out 31-23 victors.

A frantic opening 40 minutes saw Carl Kirwan and Francois Hougaard cross for Worcester, with Tom Heathcote kicking 11 points to give the hosts a 21-8 lead.

Tommy Taylor and a Mike Haley double brought Sale close to making a comeback after the break, but the boot of Heathcote and a Chris Pennell try proved decisive for the Warriors.

Meanwhile, Wasps moved back into the top four as they beat Bath 24-18 at the Recreation Ground.

After a tight opening half that saw the visitors hold a two-point advantage, the game opened up with Wasps running in tries from Frank Halai – his second of the match – and Simon McIntyre to complete their eighth win of the season.