Twickenham heartache for Chiefs with 34 - 37 defeat to Saracens

At times it was like a Rocky Movie, the two prized fighters trading punches until finally one of them delivered the knockout punch that settled an epic encounter of English Rugby’s two heavyweight clubs.

Sadly for Exeter Chiefs, it was they who were eventually knocked to the canvas, floored by a brutal final quarter from Saracens, who have now added a Premiership title to that of their European Champions Cup crown.

In what was arguably the most pulsating Premiership Final ever, it was the Londoners who edged this classic bout, which yielded a total of ten tries - five for each side - on a glorious day in the nation’s capital.

England hooker Jamie George helped himself to a try in each half, while there were further touchdowns for Ben Spencer, Liam Williams and Sean Maitland to go alongside 12 points from the boot of fly-half Owen Farrell.

In reply, the Chiefs - who dominated for much of the game - countered with tries from Nic White, Dave Ewers, Jonny Hill, Henry Slade and Sam Hill, together with nine points from the boot of fly-half Joe Simmonds.

However, it would prove not enough for Rob Baxter’s side, who have now lost on three occasions to their rivals in the end of season showpiece event at Twickenham.

Back for a fourth successive Premiership Final appearance, Baxter opted to go with an unchanged Chiefs starting line-up from that which had easily seen off Northampton Saints in the semi-final just seven days over.

Saracens, meanwhile, were at full-tilt themselves, buoyed by the news that skipper Brad Barritt had passed a pre-match fitness check on a hamstring injury he had picked up in their last four win against Gloucester.

For the full matche report, go to https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/premiership-final-chiefs-saracens