Wasps Seize The Initiative

The fans were treated to plenty of excitement in a nine-try battle.

Wasps' England second row Simon Shaw helped himself to a hat-trick of tries.

The former British and Irish Lion scored twice in the first half before leaving his hat-trick score until 10 minutes from time.

His England team-mate Richard Hill had put Saracens in the lead with a try after just five minutes, and moments later Australian Tim Horan crossed to give the home side some early breathing space.

But Shaw's first two tries, as well as one for ex-Saracens loan prop Andy Kershaw saw coach Warren Gatland's side take the lead - Fijian Nicky Little adding a penalty for the home side however just before the interval.

As the second half got underway, a quick-fire score from Frenchman Thomas Castaignà¨de gave Saracens a sniff of victory but a further try from England Sevens wing Richard Haughton was all they were to manage on the day.

Wasps wrapped the game up with Shaw's third try on 70-minutes, and by that time back row Paul Volley had already scored their fourth of the day.

The result moves Wasps into the top 3 of the Zurich Premiership, but sees Saracens slip into the relegation battle at the foot of the table.