MX23RW : Tuesday, March 19 04:18:15| >> :600:549393:549393:
Saracens
Gallagher Premiership Playoffs | Final
May 28, 2016 at 3pm UK
 
Exeter Chiefs
Saracens
28-20
Exeter Chiefs
Taylor (33'), Wyles (36'), Goode (76')
FT
Yeandle (53'), Nowell (73')

Saracens retain Premiership title with win over Exeter Chiefs

Saracens retain the Premiership title with a 28-20 win over Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham.

Saracens have sealed a European and domestic double, retaining the Aviva Premiership title with a 28-20 victory over Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon.

Saracens players celebrate with the trophy after the Aviva Premiership final between Saracens and Exeter Chiefs on May 28, 2016© Getty Images

Saracens got off the mark in the first three minutes when they won a penalty in the Exeter 22 after Alex Goode took the ball from the halfway line.

Owen Farrell lined up a kick eight metres from the touchline before sending the ball through the posts to put points on the board.

The holders were on the frontfoot after taking the lead and worked a line-out to Mako Vunipola, piling pressure on Exeter's defence, but Billy Vunipola and Schalk Brits were halted from close range.

The referee awarded a penalty, and once again, Farrell comfortably converted to give Sarries a six-point lead inside 10 minutes.

Exeter managed to thwart Vunipola's pass to Chris Ashton by getting a hand on the ball, but it eventually led to an attacking scrum for Sarries.

The Chiefs struggled to find a way through in the early stages of the clash and after winning a free kick at the scrum, Gareth Steenson sent the ball long, but Goode returned.

Around the 20-minute mark, Exeter threw away a chance of a counter-attack when Henry Slade sliced his kick ahead for a line-out.

The Chiefs eventually got points on the board in the 23rd minute when Steenson fired from wide after his initial drop goal fell short.

Their revival did not last long, though, as Saracens were given a penalty for a late tackle on Michael Rhodes, and Farrell comfortably converted.

The first try of the afternoon came in the 34th minute when Brits surged through his opponents, catching them off guard.

Farrell picked the ball up from the breakdown before kicking towards Duncan Taylor, who took the ball into the corner.

Saracens extended their points to 23 before half-time after Chris Wyles managed to get through three Exeter defenders before touching down for another try.

After the break, Exeter put in a much-improved display and managed to score their first try through Jack Yeandle, who hit the ground after an impressive move.

The play began from a scrum penalty just in front of Saracens' posts, but Steenson opted to go to the corner instead of kicking for goal, and it proved to be the right call.

Saracens almost responded immediately when Goode kicked in behind the defence, but Jack Nowell managed to get across to snatch the ball and keep hold of it, despite being under pressure from Wyles and Taylor.

The defending champions, who gave Charlie Hodgson his 254th and final league appearance, squandered an opportunity for a third try when Goode's long pass towards Ashton was cut out.

Exeter set up an exciting finish when Nowell evaded Goode and Vunipola to touch down in the corner, but hopes were dashed when Goode extended Sarries' lead in the 76th minute.

Saracens were able to hold on to their advantage and take home the trophy.

ID:273670: cacheID:273670:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5965:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Saracens player Alex Goode makes a break during the Aviva Premiership match between Gloucester Rugby and Saracens at Kingsholm Stadium on January 9, 2015
Read Next:
Rugby Player of the Season shortlist revealed
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header

Subscribe to our newsletter


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!