Champions Sarries begin with a win

Premiership champions Saracens began the new season with an impressive 32-21 win at Newcastle Falcons on Sunday.

Newcastle enjoyed an impressive campaign last time out, but they struggled to stay with the visitors at Kingston Park as Alex Lewington crossed twice to set up an opening-weekend win.

Lewington's first try on the stroke of half-time and the follow-up conversion from Owen Farrell - last season's leading points scorer - opened up an eight-point lead after Jamie George had crossed earlier on.

Mark Wilson twice scored after the restart as the Falcons threatened a fightback, with Lewington responding to the first score to keep Sarries in front.

The task became a little more tricky when the visitors were reduced to 13 men following a pair of yellow cards, but Nick Tompkins returned from the sin bin to score with four minutes remaining and settle away nerves.

Finally out of sight, Farrell, consistent with the boot throughout, dispatched a penalty to cap the scoring and ensure a fine start to the campaign for the champions.