Leeds overcame a disappointing first-half display to send Saracens crashing to their fifth Zurich Premiership defeat of the season at Headingley on Sunday.

The Tykes, who have played well above expectations so far this season to claim second place in the table, started in second gear but upped the tempo after the interval.

Former Springbok Braam van Straaten was the catalyst for Leeds' second-half revival, booting 14 points in a near flawless kicking display.

Gordon Ross and Chris Hall touched down for the Tykes with fine solo tries as the home side showed all the grit and determination which now marks every Leeds performance.

But Saracens, who crossed through Richard Hill and Christian Califano, will be wondering how they managed to lose the match after turning in such a strong first half.

Van Straaten was called into action early on when he stroked over a penalty following a barnstorming run from winger George Harder.

But Saracens edged ahead in the eighth minute through England flanker Hill.

Winger Darragh O'Mahony made the most of an error by Alan Dickens, scooping up the ball and slipping it to Hill who ran some 30 metres to score in the left corner.

Andy Goode missed the conversion.

French prop Califano dived over for Saracens' second try in the 21st minute after some robust work from his fellow forwards and this time Goode added the extras.

England hopeful

The Tykes hit back straight away when Ross ghosted through the visitors' back line to cross under the post. Van Straaten slotted the conversion.

But Saracens, who despite their narrow 12-10 advantage were well on top, continued to pile on the pressure, using their pack to make inroads into Leeds territory.

Their efforts were rewarded as the Tykes were forced to concede two quick penalties, which Goode gratefully accepted.

Kyran Bracken, snubbed by England earlier in the week, looked like he had a point to prove as he drove the visitors on, distributing the ball cleanly and making some sniping runs around the breakdown.

Leeds fight back

He almost went over in the 36th minute following a quick tap-and-go from a free-kick but he was held up inches short of the line.

Leeds showed some improvement after the break but Saracens continued to threaten, with Tim Horan sprinting down the right wing before Gerald Arasa spilled the ball over the line.

Van Straaten then added three penalties to put the Tykes into the lead, and winger Chris Hall put the result beyond doubt with a 77th-minute try which saw him beat several players before sprinting home.

There was still time for Ross to bag a late drop goal and deny Saracens a bonus point for finishing within seven points.

Leeds: Scarborough, Harder, Davies, van Straaten, Hall, Ross, Dickens, Shelley, Regan, Kerr, Campbell, Palmer, Mather, Hyde, Fea'unati.
Replacements: Holt, Rawlinson, P. Murphy, Popham, Hegarty, Rock, Emmerson.

Saracens: Castaignede; Arasa, Johnston, Horan, O'Mahony; Goode, Bracken; Califano, Cairns, Flatman, Benazzi, Yandell, Chesney, Hill, Peacey.
Replacements: Hannon, Marsters, Quinnell, Hooper, Williams, Sorrell, Sparg.

Referee: D Pearson (RFU).