4 hours ago Saints started the 2nd fractional with the aforesaid intent arsenic the archetypal but Exeter's defence held retired for 14 phases successful and astir their enactment successful the opening 5 minutes successful a basal reminiscent of the extremity of their semi-final triumph astatine Bath past week.
Rory Hutchinson had a effort ruled retired for a knock-on 2 minutes aboriginal arsenic the table-toppers looked to asseverate themselves.
But the momentum swung erstwhile Kemeny was sin-binned for a 51st-minute caput to caput clash with Jenkins, and a fewer phases aft Exeter had kicked the resulting punishment for a close-range lineout the Wales fastener forced his mode in.
Saints were dealt a further stroke erstwhile England scrum-half Alex Mitchell – connected arsenic a first-half replacement for the injured McParland – dropped the shot nether a situation from Ridl arsenic helium went implicit the Exeter line.
However, successful the aftermath replays showed Jenkins had enactment successful a unsafe situation connected Furbank and helium was sent to the sin-bin with 23 minutes left.
Saints dominated the shot with the other antheral and were rewarded erstwhile Hendy dived implicit successful the close country aft a good flowing determination crossed the field.
It proved to beryllium the hammer stroke for Exeter's hopes arsenic Saints reclaimed the crown they mislaid to Bath 12 months ago.
More to follow.
Northampton: Furbank (c); Freeman, Litchfield, Hutchinson, Hendy; Smith, McParland; Iyogun, Langdon, Millar Mills; Coles, Prowse, Kemeny, Pearson, Pollock.
Replacements: Wright, Fischetti, Green, Van der Mescht, Lockett, Chick, Mitchell, Dingwall.
Yellow card: Kemeny (51)
Exeter: Woodburn; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Ikitau, Ridl; Skinner, Varney; Sio, Norey, Iosefa-Scott; Jenkins (c), Zambonin, Hooper, Roots, Fisilau.
Replacements: Dweba, Burger, Tchumbadze, Tshiunza, Vintcent, James, Cairns, Haydon-Wood.
Yellow card: Jenkins (57)
Referee: Matthew Carley.
English (US)·