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| Saracens’ Jamie George celebrates |
Saracens overcame a spirited Exeter challenge to win an all-action English rugby Premiership final 37-34 on Saturday and their fourth domestic championship in five years, completing a second double after they won the European Cup three weeks ago.
Exeter led 22-16 after a terrific first half played under a beating sun in west London. Exeter scrumhalf Nic White scored the fastest-ever Premiership try after 27 seconds, Saracens hit back through Jamie George and Ben Spencer, but Exeter controlled the ball and scored further tries through Dave Ewers and Jonny Hill.
Exeter, appearing in their fourth consecutive final, kept a surging Saracens at bay and extended their lead with a great try finished by Henry Slade, only for wingers Liam Williams and Sean Maitland to score and edge Saracens ahead going into the final 10 minutes.
The holders dominated from then on and settled the issue three minutes from time when George bundled through for his second try. Although Sam Hill replied for the Chiefs, it came too late.
