Two tries on his debut is what most people would call a fantastic start to your club career but for Saracens’ Alex Lewington he was just happy to get on.

The new signing from London Irish was named among the replacements but got his chance early in the first half when Sean Maitland went off with a broken finger.

And he filled his boots, bagging his first right on the stroke of half-time and scoring a crucial second midway through the second period.

He said: “It was a shock to get on so early but it’s a great start to my life at Saracens.

“It’s nice just to get the season going.”

The game itself was a war of attrition and despite the 32-21 final score, it was a lot closer than it sounds.

And the winger felt it was his experience that allowed him to be in the right place at the right time for both scores.

Lewington said: “It took a lot of hard work out there but it will give us confidence going forward.

“They’re a tough team, top four last year, and it was a very tough game.

“You’ve just got to be patient and anticipate when the chances will come.

“Sometimes that anticipation will pay off for you and that just comes with experience and I’ve got to a point in my career where I’ve got that from playing in the Premiership.”

And the 26-year-old has already decided what a perfect season for him would be.

“I want silverware to be honest,” he admitted. “I just want this team to crack on and be as successful as they have been for the last five years.

“And I’d love to be part of it, that’s my personal goal.

“I just want to do anything I can to contribute to the team and if that’s scoring tries, then I’m more than happy.”