Bath head coach Steve Meehan will demand an explanation from referee Dean Richards after his team slumped to a 30-22 defeat at Saracens in the LV= Cup.

Meehan believes Bath got a raw deal when it came to the close calls in an exciting tie.

He said: "The result is disappointing, but I was really happy with our young fellas. We beat them on tries 3-2 but did not get the rub of the green in any shape or form.

"Some of the penalties in the second half were inexplicable and I'll need to have a word with Dean Richards about that. The score was five penalties apiece at the break, but 8-4 against us second half.

"Otherwise, this is a great opportunity to see some of the guys who are training with the first team and those who are considered to be second or third-choice Premiership players.

"Last week we had 11 players out injured, but morale is high and at no time did the boys let their heads drop, despite the difficult start we are having. With that attitude, a win will come."

Saracens rugby director Brendan Venter said: "I am very happy with that. When you have to make changes, it can affect continuity, but we did not send out a second XV, we simply used our rotation policy.

"Winning is a habit and leads to momentum. How can you build squad unity by sending out one team and telling them they are the second-rated XV and another side are the first XV? It does not work.

"I am very excited by our academy system because so many fine young players have already emerged.

"We play South Africa in 10 days' time and everyone here is thrilled. Leicester beat them in front of a 24,000 crowd and what a very fine achievement.

"Warren Gatland, the Wales head coach, said our Premiership is poor. Hey, tell that to my guys, tell that to Leicester."

And Venter is convinced that scrum-half Kevin Barrett and lock Hayden Smith came of age.

He added: "These lads are typical of our youngsters. We have tremendous faith in them for an exciting future.

"It was also a special game for a guy from the other end of the age-gap. That was Kevin Sorrell's 300th game and on top of that honour, he played well in a good win.

"I counted up all my appearances in my career and they just about made 250. That's a wonderful milestone for Kevin with his one and only club."

Saracens twice came from behind for what was their ninth win from 10 in all competitions.

It was Bath's 10th game with only one win and a draw to show for their efforts.

Glen Jackson was their nemesis at Vicarage Road, kicking 20 points from six penalties and a conversion. Justin Melck and Richard Haughton added tries.

Jonny Faamatuainu scored two tries for Bath and Scott Hobson added another, while Nicky Little kicked five points and Ryan Davis two.