Steeno's magic boot strikes again

A record-breaker last week, a headline-maker this week – it’s all in a day’s work for Exeter Chiefs star Gareth Steenson.

Not for the first time in his illustrious Chiefs career, the Irishman’s right boot again proved lethal, downing visiting Northampton Saints to keep Rob Baxter’s side firmly in the picture at the top end of the Aviva Premiership.

Having broke the game’s deadlock with an early kick, Steenson then slotted four second half penalties to go alongside Olly Woodburn’s fourth try of the season.

Northampton, who won the corresponding fixture 8-3 back on New Year’s Day, edged the opening 40 minutes as they claimed tries through skipper Lee Dickson and winger Ken Pisi, the latter of which was converted by fly-half JJ Hanrahan.

However, it was the Chiefs – led by Steenson – who dominated after the break, punishing an indisicplined Saints outfit, who were even denied a losing bonus point.

Playing at home for the third time in a month, Baxter was hoping his Chiefs side could maintain their impressive Sandy Park form, which in recent weeks had seen them pocket wins over Bath and Newcastle Falcons.

Although victorious against the Falcons last time out, Baxter still felt the need to tinker with his winning formula bringing in Ollie Atkins and Dave Ewers up front, while behind Dave Lewis, James Short and debutant Lachlan Turner also started.

The Saints, meanwhile, arrived in Devon with a juggernaut pack supplemented by the returning Jon Fisher at No.8, while in the back division Fijian flyer Ahsee Tuala came in on the left wing, while Irishman Hanrahan was preferred at fly-half to Stephen Myler.

Exeter Chiefs 20 Saints 12

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