Chiefs thwart Saracens

There was no ‘Fat Lady Singing’ this time, instead it was the travelling tribe who were in full voice at the final whistle as Exeter Chiefs overcame rivals Saracens to claim a first-ever victory at Allianz Park.

Two tries from the free-scoring Thomas Waldrom (pictured), plus another from hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, were the undoubted highlights for the visitors, whose hard fought win has edged them back into the final play-off berth with just one round of the scheduled season remaining.

Fly-half Gareth Steenson converted all three scores, as well as adding a first half penalty to ensure Rob Baxter’s side of a priceless win against the much-fancied Londoners.

In reply, Chris Ashton and Chris Wyles both raced over for first half scored, whilst Charlie Hodgson (7) and Owen Farrell (3) weighed in with the remainder of their points on a sun-drenched afternoon in North London. Refreshed and revived after their first week off in the season, Baxter made three changes to his side that lost to Wasps last time out.

Into the fray came Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ben White up front, whilst behind Steenson’s inclusion at fly-half meant Henry Slade reverted into the centre.

On the bench, Fetu’u Vainikolo was included as was Academy youngster Max Bodilly, who was getting his first introduction to life on a Premiership match-day.

Saracens, meanwhile, were also able to parade a powerful array of talent for the fourth fixture between the two clubs this season.

Of their starting line-up, eleven of them were full internationals with a further six on the bench. However, two of their more experienced names – Brad Barritt and Billy Vunipola – were missing due to injury.

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