Toulon (18) 31
Tries: Lovobalvu 2, May Cons: Wilkinson 2 Pens: Wilkinson 4
Saracens (9) 23
Tries Van Heerden, Haughton Cons: Hougaard, Haughton Pens: Hougaard 3  Wilkinson has now scored 114 points for Toulon this season
England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson was in inspired form with the boot as he helped Toulon beat Saracens in the European Challenge Cup. The 30-year-old kicked 16 points as his side claimed a 31-23 win that sent them top of Pool Three. Wilkinson also made some important tackles as his side held on to win. England and Saracens captain Steve Borthwick completed the game, his first after a three-week lay-off with an eye injury, without incident. Borthwick had been kicked by Gloucester hooker Olivier Azam on 27 September but was cleared to return for his side's trip to the Cote d'Azur.  | Do I see this as as a new beginning for me? Yes. I hope it is something that I can keep going and I can last at |
He and Wilkinson, who has taken his tally to 114 points since his summer move to France, are eager to secure their international place for the autumn internationals and were watched by England's attack coach Brian Smith and defence coach Mike Ford. Toulon found it difficult to shake off a determined Saracens outfit but Wilkinson kept their noses ahead early on with two penalties, and was involved in the build-up to Gabiriele Lovobalavu's try that he converted to make the score 13-3. Lovobalavu turned on the power to add a second try two minutes later but two Derick Hougaard penalties kept Saracens in touch at half-time. Tom May appeared to seal Toulon's win with another converted try straight after the break but, after another Wilkinson penalty, Wikus van Heerden's converted try kept Saracens' hopes alive at 28-16. Wilkinson's fourth penalty gave Toulon more breathing space but the visitors replied again through Richard Haughton's interception try. | 606: DEBATE Cyril (A try for Northern Cheesoid) |
That set up a frenetic finish as Saracens pushed for a losing bonus point but they were ultimately unsuccessful, in what was their first defeat of the season. Wilkinson was pleased to secure victory, and feels it bodes well for the future as Toulon's expensively assembled side beds down. He explained: "We have started the season pretty well but the odd match has escaped us over here when we have lost in the last call of the game. "But things are coming together and it is a great thing to be part of. "There is a building process going on and the ambition is there and the desire is super-high. To beat Saracens, in the form they are in, is a great result." The former Newcastle Falcons star also hopes he can sustain his personal revival in form following his impressive start to life in France. Wilkinson added: "Do I see this as as a new beginning for me? Yes. I hope it is something that I can keep going and I can last at. I am just enjoying myself and trying to build on my own performances as well. "This is a great place to be and it helps to have these guys around me."
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