Hodgson on song in Sarries win

Charlie Hodgson kicked 13 points for Saracens
3 November 2013

Former England fly-half Charlie Hodgson marked his first appearance of the season with an 18-point haul in a 40-3 victory over Newcastle that saw Saracens move two points clear of nearest rivals Northampton at the top of the Aviva Premiership.

Veteran Hodgson was back in action after an Achilles injury and scored the opening try, two conversions and three penalties as Sarries bounced back from the 17-16 Heineken Cup defeat to Toulouse and last weekend's 41-20 league hammering at Northampton.

Left-wing David Strettle, hooker Jamie George and full-back Alex Goode scored second-half tries to secure a bonus-point win for the leaders before the latter converted the former's second try three minutes from time.

Saracens were without England internationals Chris Ashton, Joel Tomkins, Owen Farrell, brothers Mako and Billy Vunipola and Scotland captain Kelly Brown and took time to get into their stride and overpower Newcastle, who had taken an early lead through fly-half Phil Godman's penalty.

Northampton kept up their impressive early-season form and push for the title by battling past London Irish 19-14 at the Madejski Stadium.

Full-back James Wilson crossed for Saints in the first half and fly-half Stephen Myler kicked 14 points as they made it five league wins from seven matches.

Wing Sailosi Tagicakibau grabbed the Irish try with number 10 Ian Humphreys adding his side's extras with the boot.

All eyes were on controversial Australian James O'Connor who took centre stage for his Irish debut just a few days after signing a contract until the end of the season.

The versatile 23-year-old Queenslander, who has amassed 223 points in 44 caps for the Wallabies, took his bow at full-back and impressed throughout with his running skills as he seeks to rebuild his career following a series of off-field misdemeanours.

He was on his best behaviour on Sunday, claiming an assist for the Exiles' try and looked poised and controlled throughout.

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