Venter praises clinical Sarries

Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter praised his side after they won 26-14 to condemn bottom side Leeds Carnegie to a third successive Aviva Premiership defeat.

David Strettle, 27, touched down in the 26th minute with a clinical effort to register his second try for the club following his summer move from rivals Harlequins. Replacement hooker Schalk Brits added a late second and fly-half Derick Hougaard weighed in with 16 points with the boot in a largely uninspiring encounter.

"Leeds are a tough team and play courageously but we ran out convincing winners," said Venter.

"Derick played very well and so did Schalk.

"He's fearless and mixes it up beautifully. He's playing very well for us.

"But Leeds played a lot of rugby and put us on the back foot, so we're pleased to get the win.

"I think the fact that it started raining during the game made it more difficult and that's why I'm so proud of the team.

"Everything seemed to suit Leeds and we knew it was going to be a difficult day.

"But we were mainly the better side and that's largely because of the progress we have made in the scrum."