Saracens fan wins £250,000 with one kick

Saracens defeated world champions South Africa 24-23 and handed over a cheque to one of their fans for £250,000 during an extraordinary night at Wembley Stadium

Stuart Tinner, a 24-year-old Job Centre worker who plays hooker for Welwyn RFC's fifth XV, struck the crossbar with a punt from 30 metres to claim the money.

He said: "This is the second-best day of my life — the best day was when I lost my virginity. I support Saracens but I don't get to see them very frequently but you can put me down as a season-ticket holder.

"I have spoken to my parents and they told me to keep my feet on the ground. They saw it on television and I don't normally kick the ball — playing at hooker. I am going to go and see England against New Zealand on Saturday now."

Tinner was the first of three supporters picked at random from the 46,281 crowd after applying to take part in the competition by text message and now plans to buy a flat and a car with his winnings.

The Springboks were left to reflect on a third successive defeat on this European tour, as Sarries' own contingent of South African players scored all the points, including Derick Hougaard with a match-winning drop goal.

Brendan Venter, the Sarries director of rugby, believes his men have proved they can achieve something great in English rugby although he admitted things didn't look very good at half time."

"We were 18-6 down and had lost £250,000!" said Venter. "But we are creating good memories."
Sarries' tries last night came from Ernst Joubert and Brad Barritt, while Hougaard supplied 14 points with the boot.