Six things we learned from Leicester Tigers' epic win against Exeter Chiefs

Leicester Tigers secured their place in the Gallagher Premiership play-offs with four games to spare with a 22-17 win away at Exeter Chiefs.

A brace from Chris Ashton to draw level with Tom Varndell at the summit of the league's tryscoring record books, as well as a score from returning international Freddie Steward, secured a famous win on the South Coast.

But what can we conclude from such a performance, and where does it leave Tigers standing going into the crunch time of the season? John Wiffen shared some learnings from the weekend's win...

To say that Ashton raised eyebrows when he joined the club would be an understatement. The winger had long been a rival of the Tigers and had not endeared himself to the Crumbie faithful. However, fans can forget all that should one thing happen, you play for the shirt.

He seems to be doing so, having quickly embedded himself in the team, and most importantly scoring tries that are winning Tigers games.

His two efforts against Exeter were trademark Ashton. The first saw the former England ace hold his width brilliantly when it would have been so tempting to go inside and look for the ball.

His second, however, was a tougher finish, he read the mistake caused by Dan Kelly’s pressure, before scooping the ball up on the 10-metre line and outpacing Josh Hodge, a man 13 years his junior to get over the whitewash. These scores take him to 92 Premiership tries, level at the top with Varndell, and you’d put your house on him scoring at least one more in Tigers colours before the season is out.

That first half was one of the most impressive that we have seen from Tigers this season. To keep Exeter Chiefs pinned into their own half with 69% territory is no mean feat, and for the