Ben Ransom scored 15 points to inspire Saracens to a 20-15 win over London Welsh in the LV=Cup

A try, two conversions and two penalties added to a Jared Saunders try as the Men in Black took charge of Pool 1 ahead of their final group match against Exeter Chiefs on February 8.

Speaking to the club’s website, coach Joe Shaw praised his young side: “We’re not surprised with the result, but we are incredibly happy.

“A large part of this group have been together throughout the A-League programme, and played well in games like the Ospreys win away in Neath.

“The starting XV London Welsh put out was very strong. On paper their team was pretty intimidating for our boys but to a man they showed incredible spirit. They showed that togetherness that we talk about at Saracens.”

Shaw continued: “We talked about how London Welsh, with the players they had, in front of their own crowd and the way we have been put together this week, they were going to get a lot of momentum.

“When they did get the momentum, it was all about how we reacted and how we did our jobs. It was huge learning curve for some of our lads, to be patient and show maturity when the pressure was on. I think today they showed that.”

Tristian Roberts put the Exiles ahead with a drop goal but Sarries took a 7-3 lead into the break after Ransom latched onto Max Wilkins’ hack forward and converted his own try.

And Shaw’s side extended their advantage shortly after the restart when Ransom converted Saunders’ try.

But London Welsh's Opeti Fonua crossed from a few metres out and Roberts added the extras to reduce the deficit at the Kassam Stadium.

The Tongan international then scored his second try to give the Exiles a slender advantage, with the conversion missed, leaving the door open for Saracens.

Replacement Josh Buggea did not help the visitors’ cause when he was sin binned. But a 72nd-minute penalty from Ransom saw the pendulum swing once more.

Five minutes later Ransom struck again from inside the Saracens half to seal the win.