Saints Thrive

Bruce Reihana contributed 17 points and passed a Premiership scoring landmark as second-placed Northampton made hard work of beating newly-promoted Exeter 27-21 at Franklin's Gardens.

The long-serving New Zealander, handed kicking duties in preference to Shane Geraghty, went past the 1,000 point mark in the Premiership with his second penalty, after Exeter were caught offside in front of their own posts in the 16th minute.

Saints had led 16-9 at the break thanks to Paul Diggin's try and three Reihana penalties, Gareth Steenson knocking over three penalties for the visitors. Two more Reihana penalties and a try from prop Soane Tonga'uhia sealed the home side's win, while Chris Budgen and Luke Arscott crossed to earn Exeter a losing bonus point.