Saracens were beaten in the inaugural Premiership Rugby Cup final yesterday, losing 23-9 to Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens.

Tries from Teimana Harrison, Tom Wood and Ahsee Tuala cancelled out three first-half penalties from Max Malins as a far more experienced Saints side dominated the youthful Saracens.

Harrison notched the first points of the day when he received the ball out on the wing and evaded the challenge of Ali Crossdale and scrambled over, but Malins converted two penalties in reply.

Saints bounced back though and re-took the lead when Taqele Naiyaravaro charged down the left-hand side and, despite being brought down just metres from the line, he managed to switch the play to Wood who bundled over.

Malins notched another penalty soon after to make it 10-9, but another sweeping move from Saints resulted in Tuala going over.

The fly-half was having an excellent game and he came close to getting his side back into it when he skipped through three tackles before offloading to Tom Whitely, but his pass was kicked on by Matt Gallagher.

James Grayson missed a shot early in the second half, but the competition’s Breakthrough Player made up for it swiftly, adding a further three points to Saints’ tally on 56 minutes to put some breathing space between them and their opponents.

Saracens tried to force their way back into the game but the stubborn defence of the home side held strong and there was even time for them to add further points when Francis sealed the victory from the tee late on.