Saracens boss Brendan Venter and Newcastle scrum-half Micky Young have been voted Guinness Premiership coach and player of the month respectively for October.

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Venter's Saracens have won their first seven matches of the league season, and registered the best start to the Premiership since Newcastle won 12 on the bounce on the way to claiming the 1997-98 title.

Furthermore, they downed Bath 12-11 last weekend for their first win at The Rec in four seasons and currently top the Premiership by three points.

England sevens international Young (pictured) scored a superb solo try in the Falcons' 27-16 victory at Bath, and the 21-year-old was key to Newcastle's improving form last month.

The Falcons are currently sixth in the table, having won their last three league games after three draws and a loss in their previous four.