Big wins for Saints and Chiefs in Prem Rugby Cup

Northampton Saints claimed the East Midlands bragging rights, with a dominant 40-22 Prem Rugby Cup win over previously unbeaten Leicester Tigers at cinch stadium at Franklin's Gardens.

The Saints scored first through Archie McParland, following a break from debutant Charlie Ulcoq, before the scrum-half doubled his own personal tally, diving over from short range.

Leicester then responded with a beautifully worked counterattack. James O'Connor evaded numerous Saints defenders driving up into midfield, before Izaia Perese and Joseph Woodward combined to send George Pearson over the whitewash.

But James Martin added the Saints' third, regathering his own kick over the Leicester defence, with the try bonus point secured soon through Amena Caqusau's spectacular finish in the corner.

As the weather deteriorated, Henry Walker and James Pater claimed further scores to extend the Saints' lead beyond 30 points early in the second half.

With the game gone but points still up for grabs, Leicester began to acquit themselves more forcefully.

First, Sam Williams and then Charlie Clare fought their way over the Saints line from driving mauls, before debutant Wilf McCarthy went over untouched with the last play of the game to claim the try bonus point.

The result moves Saints up to third in Pool B, while Leicester remain top, three points ahead of Saracens.

Nine-try Chiefs in charge

In Pool A, Exeter Chiefs overpowered Sale Sharks, scoring nine tries in a dominant 59-14 win at Sandy Park.

The home team struck first through Will Rigg's effort, before first-time starter Gurswin Wehr replied for the visitors.

Joe Bedlow and Julian Heaven exchanged tries soon after, but that was as good as it got for the Sharks.

The Chiefs soon seized control of the game, scoring tries through Will Goodrick-Clarke, Lewis Pearson and Rusi Tuima either side of half-time.

Josh Iosefa-Scott claimed the home side's sixth, before further scores from Martin Moloney, Tuima and Campbell Ridl wrapped up an emphatic home win.

Exeter leapfrog Sale into second place in the pool, two points behind leaders Gloucester.