By Jason Harris (filed: 16/11/03)
November 16 2003

Saracens overcame spirited National One side Penzance and Newlyn 30-20 at Mennaye Field. Tries from Kris Chesney, Richard Haughton and Ben Russell plus 15 points from the boot of Nicky Little saw the Men in Black home. With the scores at half time level at 13 apiece, Sarries struggled to cope with the home pack's power. Former Saracens Rob Thirlby kicked two first half penalties to put his side 6-0 ahead before Chesney scored the opening try of the game. Little converted.

Penzance came back into it and scored their first try through former Bedford player James Shanahan. Thirlby converted to put his side up 13-7. Nicky Little kicked two more penalties just before the break.

Little broke the deadlock early in the second half landing his third penalty of the afternoon, before Richard Haughton further stretched the Sarries lead with a try. Little added the extras to make it 23-13.

Ben Russell scored a try towards the end, again converted by Little, before 19-year-old Matthew Jess scored a consolation for the home side which was goaled by Thirlby.

Saracens now join Bath, Leeds Tykes, London Irish, London Wasps, Newcastle Falcons, Pertemps Bees and Sale Sharks in the draw for the last eight round which will be played at the end of February.