The boot of Charlie Hodgson has helped second-placed Saracens to a 18-12 victory over fellow playoff hopefuls Northampton Saints at Vicarage Road.
A Stephen Myler penalty gave the Saints an early lead before a kick from Hodgson levelled the scores.
Hodgson put the hosts in front after 16 minutes, but another Myler penalty on 36 minutes looked to have sent the team in all square at the break.
However, Hodgson kicked through the posts on the stroke of half time to give Saracens a 9-6 advantage at the interval.
Hodgson kicked through the posts twice in the opening 12 minutes of the second half to edge Saracens further in front, but Myler's third kick of the match kept the visitors in sight.
However, Hodgson planted a long-range penalty through the posts just after the hour to restore his side's nine-point advantage.
There was some good news for the Saints as replacement Ryan Lamb kicked over a last-minute penalty to earn his side a losing bonus point.
Jack Prescott
