Tony Diprose crowned his final appearance for Saracens at Vicarage Road with a virtuoso performance, inspiring his side to a 34-29 Zurich Premiership victory.

The script appeared to have been written before kick-off as the Sarries' current longest-serving player led his team out to a rapturous standing ovation and then rewarded the support with the game's opening try on eight minutes

It was not the best try Diprose has ever scored in the Saracens' red and black jersey but his touchdown lit the tissue paper for a morale-boosting home win ahead of the play-offs.

A mass exodus will begin at Saracens in the summer with England lock Danny Grewcock off to Bath and Phil Davidson and Diprose crossing London to the Harlequins.

But new recruit Jannie de Beer offered the home crowd hope that the club still has a bright future.

The South African import had an inspired game behind the scrum, driving his pack forward with a disciplined kicking game and adding 19 points to his side's tally in his home debut.

De Beer had a near-perfect game with his place kicking, missing a solitary effort and scoring six out of seven goals.

Two years ago the former London Scottish stand-off terrorised England in a World Cup quarter-final, scoring five drop goals in a South African win.

And the number 10 showed he has lost none of his guile by adding a first-half strike to his career tally.

Newcastle did not enter the Sarries' half in the opening half an hour as the home pack bossed proceedings on the pitch.

On 16 minutes Lions hopeful David Flatman crossed the Falcons' line following a quick hand by Diprose.

Newcastle kept themselves within touching distance of Saracens with a Stuart Grimes try on the stroke of half-time and a second from flanker Hugh Vivian 10 minutes after the interval.

Lion's coach Graham Henry would not have enjoyed the second period as Britain's finest continued to batter each other into submission.

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson gingerly left the action holding his shoulder after a try-saving tackle on international colleague Richard Hill and Scotland lock Scott Murray quickly followed.

Following the enforced departure of Wilkinson the Falcons' challenge began to subside and a converted try by Sarries substitute Tom Shanklin stretched the home side's lead.

Late tries from Doddie Weir and replacement prop George Graham set up a nail-biting finish but - Diprose-inspired - they hung on for victory.