McCall’s Saracens overcome frustrations to see off Worcester

And with key forward Schalk Brits carried from the field after suffering a clattering while making a tackle in the 18-6 win, there was initial anxiety for the former Springbok hooker.

McCall said: “Schalk Brits took a bang to the head. He has a stiff neck, but he’s up and about.”

McCall accepted the four points and said: “It’s frustrating because Worcester came down here to scrap and fight and credit to them. But they had 14 men in defence with one behind, and while we played some good rugby during the first half, we found them very difficult to break down.”

Second-half tries by David Strettle and Brad Barritt settled the issue, while Yorkshire-born summer signing Charlie Hodgson added eight points from two penalties and a conversion.

“I thought Charlie Hodgson did very well on his first start, especially when you consider that he had no pre-season with us,” McCall said.

Bath first-team coach Brad Davis believes fly-half Sam Vesty is playing his best rugby since arriving at the Recreation Ground.

The former Leicester player, who arrived last year, kicked three penalties and also converted tries by Sam Vesty and Nathan Catt in a 23-19 win over Exeter.

He also made just as big a contribution with his calm game management.

Bath are waiting for All Black Stephen Donald to arrive in November, but Davis is more than happy with Vesty’s contribution in the interim.

He said: “In all three games Sam has really stamped his authority, not only on the game but on the team. I thought it was a pretty accomplished performance.

“Definitely, that second 40 minutes was the best he’s played for us and I think he controlled proceedings pretty well.”

Harlequins continued their winning start to the season with a convincing 42-6 victory over Gloucester at the Stoop.

In wet conditions Quins’ dogged pack out-fought their opponents at the breakdown and in the set-piece, resulting in two pushover tries from the young flanker Luke Wallace.

Quins were also classier behind the scrum with fly-half Nick Evans a constant threat and the slick passing in the backline leading to tries for wingers Sam Smith and Ugo Monye.

A Steve Mafi try three minutes from time rescued Leicester from defeat at Kingston Park after Newcastle had scored three tries and Tigers centre Billy Twelvetrees missed a hatful of kicks. The 27-26 defeat leaves Newcastle at the foot of the table.

A penalty two minutes from time by Tom Homer gave London Irish their first league win of the season with a 14-13 triumph.

Close-season signing Fraser McKenzie opened his scoring account as Sale travelled to Wasps to enjoy a 29-18 victory.