The race for the Allied Dunbar Premiership title has been kept alive by Saracens, who beat Newcastle 12-10 at Watford. If Newcastle had come out on top, the title would have been theirs but a last-minute drop goal from Michael Lynagh won the game for the London men.

Alistair Hignell reports from Vicarage Road

Lynagh missed three long penalties before opening the scoring for Saracens in the 22nd minute at a packed Vicarage Road.

Lynagh, the top scorer in Test history, narrowly missed the target from 50 yards and 35 yards, in a half with only a couple of try-scoring chances for each team.

Saracens needed to win to go level with the leaders, who still have a game in hand.

With the title in the balance a record English league gate of 20,000 watched a nervous error-filled half.

Newcastle refused to learn from their escapes when Lynagh failed in the first quarter and they gave him penalties from 15 yards in the 22nd and 40th minutes. In between Rob Andrew hit the mark from 26 yards in the 31st minute, levelling at 3-3.

Saracens needed to overcome the huge loss of hamstring victim Francois Pienaar, who was replaced by Alex Bennett when Andrew's goal went over in the 31st minute.

Lynagh magic

In the second half Lynagh - in his final season of competitive rugby - atoned for his earlier mistakes.

Newcastle appeared to put one huge Geordie hand on the trophy when Western Samoan Pat Lam completed a magnificent move that had been lacking, despite much effort, during the early stages.

Newcastle moved the ball right through Peter Walton and Jim Naylor. When it went left England's newest star Jonny Wilkinson flicked a long pass to Lam and the player of the premiership this season hurtled over.

Andrew converted and Saracens had further anxiety in defence before breaking clear.

But after landing two penalties, Saracens edged their way down the field to give the Australian kicker his chance. He struck the ball sweetly and drop-kicked Saracens back into the title race as the crowd erupted.

Newcastle still have a game in hand over Saracens and remain title favourites.

In Sunday's other Premiership game bottom club Bristol were beaten by fellow strugglers London Irish 17-5.

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