Saracens have got their Aviva Premiership campaign off to a winning start with a 42-20 bonus-point victory over London Irish at Twickenham Stadium.
An early Owen Farrell penalty put Saracens in front before the England international converted Jamie George's penalty on 10 minutes to make it 10-0.
Ian Humphreys's penalty helped Irish to reduce the deficit, but Farrell added another three points with the boot to push his side further ahead.
Saracens looked to turn the screw in the final five minutes of the first half thanks to a second try from George, only for Kieran Low to touch down moments later before Humphreys added the extras.
However, Farrell had the final say of the opening period as he kicked over his third penalty of the afternoon to give Sarries a 21-10 advantage.
A pair of penalties from Farrell at the start of the second half made it 27-10 before Humphreys kept Irish's slim hopes alive with another kick between the posts.
Mako Vunipola's try on 65 minutes, converted by Farrell, then saw the away side pull clear.
Marland Yarde went over with 10 minutes left as Irish continued to battle away, though it was ultimately in vain as a final Farrell penalty and a late try from Ashton sealed the bonus-point win for Saracens.
Jack Prescott
