Newcastle pay penalty as spirited Exeter earn win

Chiefs fly-half Gareth Steenson took his Premiership points tally to 46 in just three games on Saturday as Exeter followed up a debut top-flight home win against Gloucester by sending Newcastle packing 22-17.

"Fair play to Exeter, they ran with more vigour and you probably can't argue with them getting the win," said Tait. "They are bringing something new to the Premiership, and you have to take your hats off to them."

Newcastle's prolific concession of penalties cost them dear, with Steenson booting five three-pointers and converting flanker Tom Johnson's try.

The Falcons managed touchdowns through Rob Vickerman and Charlie Amesbury, in addition to collecting a losing bonus point, but that was of little consolation to Tait.

"We got hammered on the penalty count - 8-1 in the second half - and while I am at a loss as to some of those decisions, I'm not going to use the officials as an excuse," he added.

Exeter assistant coach Ali Hepher hailed the contribution of Ireland Under-21 international Steenson. "He's the best kicker I've seen under the cosh," said Hepher.

Champions Leicester blew a commanding half-time advantage to suffer a second defeat in three games this season as they subsided 37-30 against Wasps at Adams Park. Leicester failed to score in the second period after touchdowns from Matt Smith, Ben Youngs, Tom Croft and Billy Twelvetrees, and Wasps claimed an unlikely triumph when wing Richard Haughton capitalised on a defensive howler by Tigers full-back Geordan Murphy.