Landmark victory for Exeter Chiefs

If Rob Baxter wanted a barometer of how his side are progressing, then winning at the reigning Aviva Premiership champions isn’t a bad starting point.

Thomas Waldrom’s first half try double, together with an earlier touchdown from Luke Cowan-Dickie, helped pave the way for a first-ever win for the Exeter Chiefs at Northampton’s Franklin’s Gardens. Fly-half

Gareth Steenson completed the job for the visitors as he converted all three tries, as well as adding a second half penalty.

The win lift the Chiefs to second in the table, a point behind the Saints who themselves countered with tries from Tom Stephenson and Jamie Elliott, as well as eight points from the boot of Stephen Myler.

After four weeks of European and domestic cup action, it was a welcome return to top flight action for the Chiefs, who showed three changes in their starting personnel to that which had defeated rivals Bath in their last outing in the LV= Cup.

Up front, Carl Rimmer came into the front-row in place of Ben Moon; Cowan-Dickie was a late call-up for hooker Jack Yeandle who pulled out prior to kick-off with a back complaint; and Ben White was drafted into the back-row with Dave Ewers missing.

The sole change behind saw Phil Dollman come in at full-back for Byron McGuigan, who dropped to the bench following his debut the week previous.

The Saints, meanwhile, were also able to parade a powerful line-up, even though they were without a number of their own stars due to the current Autumn internationals. Missing the likes of Messrs Hartley, Lawes, North and Pisi, they were boosted by the return of fly-half Myler and centre Luther Burrell following recent injuries.

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