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Sunday, October 25, 1998 Published at 18:29 GMT Sport: Rugby Union Wasps devour Sarries ![]() Alex King: Helped Wasps to dominate during the second period Saracens 17-31 Wasps Wasps got revenge on Saracens for the hat-trick of defeats they suffered at their hands last season. They ran out easy winners, scoring four tries when it mattered, with wing 120180 contributing 16 points. A week ago Saracens were red-hot favourites for the League, but defeat at Harlequins, followed by this home loss have put them on the back foot. The result did not flatter Wasps. They gained an early grip, looked potential winners when they led 21-10 at half-time and wrapped up victory with two further tries. Saracens won two narrow League matches last season against their West London rivals and slaughtered them 48-18 in the Tetley's Bitter Cup Final. Now the balance of power has tilted at least temporarily. Logan cashed in with a try in the fourth minute after Rob Henderson had kicked down field and Saracens full-back Gavin Johnson fumbled. Logan added a penalty, but a behind-the-back pass by Saracens captain Tony Diprose gave his team their only meaningful try when Brendon Daniel scooted over and Johnson converted. But Wasps steamed clear in mid-match. Alex King and Henderson linked for King to score and Logan converted. The King-Henderson combination then gave centre Henderson a try in the 51st minute and when Saracens failed to score from driving mauls twice on the Wasps line at 26-10 down the result was inevitable. King, recuperating magnificently from his injury-ridden summer, set up full-back Josh Lewsey for his club's final score. Saracens emerged with limited credit that was tarnished further when Matt Singer pushed Logan over the advertising boards. Johnson's injury-time try for Saracens that he converted was an irrelevance. |
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