A hat-trick from Tony Underwood secured a superb victory for Newcastle over Saracens on Saturday.

In a game of blistering pace, Sarries again looked under pressure and when lock Troy Coker was banished in the 59th minute Newcastle were already 24-7 ahead.

Newcastle have been floundering around unconvincingly in mid-table, but their performance puts them back in contention to retain their title.

Coker was rightly dismissed by referee Chris White after being the worst offender in a punch-up that involved most of the forwards.

His victim, Ian Peel, left the field with his face covered in his own blood, but returned heavily bandaged.

Saracens were red hot favourites for the title two weeks ago, but that tag has now been buried.

They have lost three times in 15 days, first by Harlequins, then Wasps, and now Newcastle - and have leaked 115 points in the process.

Newcastle sub Richard Horton claimed the first try after being on for only a minute when he was driven over at a maul.

Underwood, surely booked for an England recall, started his hat-trick in the 36th minute by speeding in on a diagonal run.

Newcastle led 17-0 at half-time but Saracens gave themselves hope with a converted try in the 44th minute from Gavin Johnson.

Underwood, however, then secured his second score with Wilkinson converting.

Without Coker, Saracens were even more vulnerable and tries from Gary Armstrong, Underwood and Martin Shaw finished them off.