London Irish director of rugby Toby Booth was delighted that his side were able to end Saracens' undefeated streak with a 23-19 win.
Irish boss thrilled with Guinness Premiership victory
London Irish director of rugby Toby Booth was delighted that his side were able to end Saracens' undefeated streak with a 23-19 win.
Sarries held the advantage in the Madejski Stadium clash until 10 minutes from the end and squandered opportunities to extend their lead by missing drop-goal attempts.
The hosts were put ahead for the first time in the top-of-the-table match when Elvis Seveali'i darted over the line, and Booth hailed the unexpected comeback.
Entertaining
"That was a good advert, a tough contest with plenty of ambition, and was also quite entertaining," said Booth.
"We were behind for long periods, and we had to work hard for it.
"The bubble had to burst some time, and I'm delighted it's us that managed it. What makes me proud is that we came back from 10 points down and never let them get away from us.
"Saracens are a pragmatic team, hard to beat, because they offer you very little, and they know how to take scores and squeeze you. But we won the kicking contest out there, and I was delighted with the whole of our back three."
London Irish have been given a further boost by Steffon and Delon Armitage extending their contracts, with the brothers set to remain with the Exiles until the end of the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons respectively.
"They are two of the most talented players in rugby at the moment, and outstanding at both Test and club level," added Booth.
"Knowing they're with us for the long haul is a major boost for the squad in terms of confidence, stability and future success.
"They both figured today in what was a big scalp for us in terms of the league table, but then we believe we can beat anyone."
Errors
Saracens rugby director Brendan Venter admitted he was frustrated with the errors made by his side.
"The boys are very disappointed," said Venter.
"They played well, but we will learn from this experience and become a better team because in the end we beat ourselves.
"We gave away some stupid penalties, and then there were other penalties that should not have been awarded. But we must look to ourselves first for this defeat.
"The first try we conceded was soft, and the second was stupid, because we were not in any trouble, but simply made mistakes.
"Then we got sucked into the pushing and shoving that happens at the breakdown. The trouble with that is it leads to penalties.
"What disappoints me is that we were a little bit asleep at times, which we have not seen before this season. But we were not dominated in any area of the game, and while the lads are hurting now, on Tuesday this game is history.
"We start preparing to welcome Leicester to Vicarage Road. We have a bonus point away from home, and we go into the New Year still top of the Guinness Premiership."