Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall was left frustrated at not gaining a bonus point despite his side's win over Newcastle.
Sarries boss pleased with effort but wanted bonus point
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall was left frustrated at not gaining a bonus point despite his side's 25-5 win over Newcastle.
The hosts had scored three tries by the 45-minute mark at Vicarage Road but could not cross for a fourth time and claim the extra point.
Despite dominating the last 35 minutes of play the Falcons managed to hold firm and McCall was not impressed with the attacking prowess of the defending Aviva Premiership champions.
"We made a catalogue of errors and it was very frustrating not to come away with the bonus point, and we left two or three tries out there that should have been taken," he said.
"But I cannot criticise the players for their efforts. We scored three tries in 45 minutes and have moved up to second in the table.
"We have our World Cup players returning now and they'll get a chance to freshen up before we resume Premiership action in three weeks.
"I actually feel we have done well during the World Cup period, probably because we have not treated players as if they are anything other than Saracens players, not players selected while others are away.
Errors
"Once we correct the small errors the scores will follow. I am very pleased with our ambition."
Newcastle head coach Alan Tait was eager to take the positives from the defeat and praised his players for their defiance in the closing stages
"I'm delighted with their efforts and believe it could be a real turning point for the rest of the season," Tait said.
"A lot of lads came down and put their hands up, and while we did suffer a few injuries, the boys accept that when you play the big sides you'll have to come to terms with that.
"I also felt we were unlucky when Ally Hogg went over only to have the try disallowed, and it was worse when they went up the other end and scored their third try. That was tough.
"I never thought we would have to battle through the first six games with so many injuries, but the young lads have done very well. Losing James Hudson to suspension is a blow and we have decided to appeal the length of the ban.
"But now we get a couple of weeks in the LV= Cup and that's a chance for us to regroup."