Chris Ashton bagged a brace of tries in Saracens’ 30-23 win over Clermont Auvergne at Allianz Park on Saturday.

The 27-year-old winger crossed for two trademark poachers’ efforts in either half against the Top 14 leaders, as Saracens top Pool 1 of the European Champions Cup.

Speaking after the game, Ashton said; “I’m really happy to win our first game of the competition at home.  I thought we could have put them under more pressure, but overall I thought we were fantastic to get a result against a team as good as Clermont. There were a couple of tries for the wingers today, they scored one off the back of a set-piece and one from a kick – they’re a good team, and we did well to shut them down for the majority of the game." 

Ashton added; “This competition always lifts the atmosphere. Playing against a team like Clermont always adds to it and I thought it was great out there today.”