English club rugby has had better seasons but there was nothing wrong with this compelling finale. For the first time since 2019, Saracens are domestic champions and able to smile again after their well-publicised salary cap travails and painful last-ditch defeat last year.
They also had the contest’s dominant character in the shape of Owen Farrell, who once again bent a big game to his considerable will.
Sarries needed every ounce of character at their disposal because a gloriously sun-splashed occasion, briefly interrupted by a few Just Stop Oil protestors flinging their orange powder around, contained any number of twists and turns.
Saracens had led 20-13 at half-time but entering the final 15 minutes it was the Sharks who led 25-23. In th end, though, Sarries were able to seize the moment.