It made for an extremely rare third-consecutive defeat for United as once again their total was chased down.
Rayner was delighted with his squad's form reversal after the "horror" before Christmas when they had a solitary one-day competition victory, compared to just one defeat in the Premier League.
"It might have been a change in attitude, more confidence.
"We bowled well with the red ball, there's more chance to swing.
"A few guys stood up each game and that's what it takes to win competitions."
The winning captain also gave a measured thumbs up to the Premier League concept of playing one-day games under rules more closely resembling its two-day parent.
The die was cast early as Saracens bowling attack shared the spoils and kept United from forming meaningful partnerships.
Rayner, Gordon, Dan Ford and Phil Galpin each bagged a pair, taking apart the top order who lost two wickets at 49 and another wicket six runs later.
United captain Andrew McCaa held up his end but was run out for 47, with Lance (28) and a tail-end cameo from Brendan Walker (27) being the next best efforts. Gordon's shot selection was not always textbook but he kept the scoreline ticking along with a succession of boundaries.
Results -
Porter Hire Premier 1
United 151 (A McCaa 47, D Gordon 2-16, D Ford 2-18, B Galpin 2-24, D Rayner 2-28) lost to Saracens 153-5 (D Gordon 51, D Rayner 43, T Lance 4-41).
Marist beat Collegiate by default.
