Hendy's Brace Seals Premiership Title for Northampton
England A winger George Hendy extended his season tally to 18 tries across all competitions for Northampton, scoring twice in a decisive three-minute spell during the second half to secure a 26-17 victory over Exeter in the Premiership final at Allianz Stadium.
Northampton's tries came from Tommy Freeman, Fin Smith, and two from Hendy, with Smith successfully converting three kicks. Exeter responded with tries from Campbell Ridl, Josh Iosefa-Scott, and Dafydd Jenkins, with Henry Slade converting one kick.
Hendy's two tries in the final quarter shifted the momentum in a closely contested match, enabling Northampton Saints to claim their third Premiership title.
Early in the match, Tommy Freeman capitalized on an Exeter error to put Northampton ahead within two minutes, but Campbell Ridl quickly responded for Exeter in an energetic opening phase.
Fin Smith's try restored Northampton's lead, but Josh Iosefa-Scott scored just before halftime, narrowing Exeter's deficit to four points.
In the second half, Northampton's Josh Kemeny was sin-binned at 51 minutes, and Exeter's captain Dafydd Jenkins scored shortly after to give the Chiefs the lead.
Jenkins received a yellow card five minutes later, and with the numerical advantage, Hendy scored twice in quick succession at the 64th minute to put Northampton back in front and ultimately secure the win.
Saints Strike Early, Exeter Responds
Tommy Freeman's early try stunned Exeter, setting the tone for the match.
The occasion appeared to unsettle Exeter as they endured a difficult start. Feyi-Waboso collided with Olly Woodburn, who was attempting to catch a kick from Archie McParland near the Exeter corner. Freeman seized the loose ball and scored, giving Northampton an early lead.
Five minutes later, Henry Pollock was held up over the Exeter line, but Northampton, buoyed by a vocal East Midlands crowd, adapted better to the high-pressure environment than the Chiefs.
Exeter's difficulties were compounded when in-form hooker Max Norey left the field with an ankle injury shortly after.
Despite these setbacks, Exeter responded as Len Ikitau collected the ball after Freeman attempted to keep a kick in play and passed to Campbell Ridl, who sprinted down the left wing for his 17th try of the season in all competitions.
Exeter had opportunities to extend their lead, but Northampton's defense thwarted breaks by Henry Slade and Stephen Varney. Meanwhile, George Furbank dropped a promising pass near the Exeter line in the 18th minute.
Northampton scored again eight minutes before halftime when Fin Smith crossed the line after sustained pressure deep in Exeter territory.
However, Exeter secured a second try in the final seconds of the half by kicking a penalty to the corner. Josh Iosefa-Scott collected the ball from the lineout and powered over the line.
Team Lineups
Northampton: Furbank (c); Freeman, Litchfield, Hutchinson, Hendy; Smith, McParland; Iyogun, Langdon, Millar Mills; Coles, Prowse, Kemeny, Pearson, Pollock.
Replacements: Wright, Fischetti, Green, Van der Mescht, Lockett, Chick, Mitchell, Dingwall.
Exeter: Woodburn; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Ikitau, Ridl; Skinner, Varney; Sio, Norey, Iosefa-Scott; Jenkins (c), Zambonin, Hooper, Roots, Fisilau.
Replacements: Dweba, Burger, Tchumbadze, Tshiunza, Vintcent, James, Cairns, Haydon-Wood.
