Northampton Saints beat Exeter Chiefs to win Prem rugby title at Twickenham

Northampton Saints beat Exeter Chiefs to win Prem rugby title at Twickenham

Northampton Saints claimed their third Premiership crown after defeating Exeter Chiefs 26-17 in a thrilling final at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. George Hendy proved the match-winner with a devastating double inside the closing quarter, his two tries arriving within just three minutes of each other to break open what had been an intensely competitive encounter. The victory marks another landmark achievement for the East Midlands club, whose vocal travelling supporters witnessed a contest that swung back and forth before Hendy's intervention proved decisive. Tommy Freeman and Fin Smith also crossed for Saints, whilst Exeter's points came through tries from Campbell Ridl, Josh Iosefa-Scott and captain Dafydd Jenkins. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The final began in chaotic fashion, with Exeter's nerves seemingly getting the better of them from the outset. A returning Immanuel Feyi-Waboso collided with teammate Olly Woodburn as the latter attempted to collect Archie McParland's chip towards the corner, allowing Freeman to pounce on the loose ball and score the first try of the game. Henry Pollock came agonisingly close to extending Saints' advantage shortly afterwards, held up just short of the tryline as Northampton's supporters roared them on. Exeter's troubles deepened when influential hooker Max Norey departed with an ankle problem. LATEST SPORTS NEWS Bukayo Saka unlikely to start in England's second World Cup game against Ghana Why are Turkey and Haiti out of the World Cup? Fifa's new rule change explained World Cup day 10: Netherlands in action against Sweden before Germany plays Ivory Coast The Chiefs found a response through Ridl, who collected from Len Ikitau and sprinted down the left flank for his 17th score of a remarkable debut campaign. Smith extended Northampton's lead eight minutes before half-time, crossing after sustained pressure deep in Chiefs territory through multiple phases. Exeter refused to yield, however, and snatched