Exeter Chiefs have beaten the Aviva Premiership league leaders Northampton Saints 21-10 in their fixture at Sandy Park.
The win for the Chiefs boosts their chances for finishing in a playoff place, while the Saints fail to further the gap between themselves and Saracens.
The home side took an early advantage in the match as a Henry Slade penalty and Phil Dollman try gave the Chiefs a 8-5 lead, with James Wilson replying with his own try 10 minutes before half time.
Despite the close first-half performance from both sides, it was the Chiefs that stretched out their lead without any reply from the league leaders.
After some more accurate kicking from Slade, the hosts were awarded a penalty try, which was successfully converted five minutes after the restart.
The fly-half added two more second-half penalties to the scoresheet as Exeter went on a 13-point-to-nothing run.
However, the champions were able to respond with a consolation try as Jamie Elliott touched down in the last minute to make the final score 21-10.
Sam McEvoy
