Sarries start title defence with Saints loss, Exeter beat Quins

James Grayson’s late penalty snatched a 27-25 win for Northampton Saints at champions Saracens as Exeter Chiefs started the Premiership season with a narrow win over Harlequins.

Saints led 21-16 at half-time following tries from David Ribbans, Rory Hutchinson and Henry Taylor.

The European Champions Cup holders looked set to edge it when Ben Spencer slotted over his sixth penalty of the match with four minutes remaining, but there was a final twist to the tale.

Grayson stepped up for a shot at goal in the closing stages and made no mistake, sealing Northampton’s first away win over Saracens in three years.

An ideal start to the @premrugby season.

Here’s how we saw it at Allianz Park

— Northampton Saints (@SaintsRugby) October 19, 2019

Exeter, runners-up last season, got their league campaign under way with a 22-19 success over Quins at Sandy Park.

Jonny Hill scored the Chiefs’ only try in the first half and Joe Simmonds booted 17 points as Gabriel Ibitoye’s double proved to be in vain.

Worcester Warriors were 24-16 winners over Leicester Tigers, while Gloucester came out on top 18-16 at Sale Sharks.

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