Match Report: Chiefs snatch victory and deal a huge blow to Saints playoff hopes

FT - Northampton Saints 19 Exeter Chiefs 22

Northampton need to a win to stay in touch with the playoff, but were dealt a hige blow as they lost their sixth game in a row at Fraklin Gardens.

Saints started like a team on a mission but there left shocked after 11 minutes after two quick converted tries by Lonsdale and Kirsten had Chiefs up by 14 in no time.

That just gave Saints the motivation they needed as they dominated the rest of the half to score two tries through Ribbans and Taylor.

Saints ended with all the momentum and traled by just two points at half time.

Saints started the second half just like they finished the first as Ribbans went over for his second try of the game, two minutes after half time.  Biggar added the extras.

Saints pressed and pressed but Chiefs never panicked and kept their cool.

As the pressure built on Saints to maintain the lead, they started giving away more penalties. That was all Chiefs needed to start gaining momentum.

They made Saints pay for the pile up of penalties as they scored late on the second half.

Exeter have been a team that knows how to see out games this season and they did that successfully to earn the win.