The fly-half, who missed England’s autumn internationals as he continued his recovery from a ruptured Achilles in his left leg, kicked five penalties and a conversion as Leicester mounted a fine second-half fightback.

The hosts were 6-3 up at half-time courtesy of two Glen Jackson penalties with Flood scoring the Tigers' points.

Derrick Hougaard extended the lead with a penalty in the 47th minute before Dan Hipkiss scored the only try of the game four minutes later, converted by Flood.

Sarries retook the lead through Jackson and Hougaard place kicks before Flood sealed the game with three penalties.

The seven-point deficit earned Saracens a bonus point, ensuring they still top the Premiership table despite a second successive league defeat.

Elsewhere, Northampton left it late to beat London Irish 24-22 at Franklin’s Gardens.
A drop-goal from Chris Malone, who also kicked five from five at goal, put the Exiles 22-14 up with 11 minutes left.

But there was a late twist in the tale as replacement Shane Geraghty converted Chris Ashton's last-minute try to deny London Irish.

Meanwhile, there was also late drama at Kingsholm as Dave Attwood's injury-time try salvaged a 13-13 draw for Gloucester against fellow Premiership strugglers Worcester.

Bath eased their relegation fears with a 20-15 win away at bottom club Leeds. Michael Stephenson scored the only try of the game for the visitors while Nicky Little kept his cool with five penalties.