Mark McCall praised Nick Isiekwe's performance as Saracens overcame Newcastle Falcons 25-3 at Allianz Park on Saturday.

Tries from Richard Barrington and Max Malins, plus a penalty try and ten points from Ben Spencer’s boot, secured the points for the hosts, with Joel Hodgson’s penalty the only response.

Director of rugby McCall was encouraged by the displays of those returning from injury lay-offs.

He said: "Nick coming back was very important as we only have two fit second-rows at the moment, as a result it was very important he did a good job calling the line-outs alongside Will Skelton who had a very strong first half.

"It was great to have Liam playing again, he's only played two games in the last three months so it was good for him to get another 60 minutes under his belt.

"It was a good, workmanlike performance in difficult conditions, we were particularly pleased with the first half.

"We were kicking into a strong wind and it was pouring with rain, so to be able to control the half in the way we did was very pleasing. Our set-piece was on top and we carried the ball well and when we were in their territory scored a couple of tries."

Sarries are now just two points off table-topping Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership.

And McCall felt his side dealt with the challenging conditions effectively, limiting their opponents in chances.

He said: "In conditions like that, it's all about doing the fundamental things well, our scrum and line-out was generally strong.

"Ben Spencer had a very strong game at scrum-half and kicked the ball beautifully. He was supported by his teammates who chased those kicks really well, allowing us to dominate field position for large parts of the match."