Hendy double helps Northampton beat Exeter in Prem final

(Adds details throughout and Pollock quotes, paragraphs 8-9)

LONDON, June 20 : Two tries in three minutes from George Hendy gave Northampton a 26-17 victory over Exeter in a breathless Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday.

The Chiefs had entertained dreams of their first title since 2020 when Dafydd Jenkins gave them a 19-17 lead just before the hour mark.

But a visit to the sin bin for the Exeter captain moments later proved pivotal, as Hendy went over twice with him off the field to turn the match around in front of a crowd of 81,126.

It was the second title in three years for the Saints, who topped the league table and broke the 100-try barrier.

The regular-season games between the two sides were cliffhangers, the first a draw and the second decided in the final seconds in Northampton’s favour by a Fin Smith try.

Saturday's game was in the balance into the last quarter, but Northampton showed the precision to put Exeter away.

"It’s a dream. I’m delighted. The week’s been amazing, all that pressure and we showed up today," player of the match Henry Pollock told TNT Sports.

"It’s what you dream of as a little kid, these moments playing on big stages, and you saw what we can do when we are at our best."

The Chiefs had a nightmare start when Manny Feyi-Waboso — back in the side after recovering from a fractured jaw — and Olly Woodburn collided in the back-field chasing down Archie McParland’s kick, presenting Tommy Freeman with a simple third-minute walk-in.

It was Freeman's 18th try of the season, taking him level with Saracens winger Noah Caluori at the top of the scoring charts.

However, Freeman’s loose inside ball presented Exeter with the chance to strike back in the 10th minute with Len Ikitau picking it off and