Saints up to fourth

Northampton climbed to fourth place in the Aviva Premiership as they became the first side to beat Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park in the league this season, winning 30-19.

Tries from Ken Pisi, Soane Tonga'uiha and Gerrit-Jan van Velze steered the visitors to victory, with Stephen Myler kicking three conversions and three penalties.

Sireli Naqelevuki scored a second-half try for Exeter, who either side of Christmas narrowly lost at Gloucester and were then denied a home victory over Bath by a late converted penalty try, with Ignacio Mieres adding the extras and Gareth Steenson contributing 12 points.

Relegation candidates London Irish ripped up the form book by stunning title play-off contenders Gloucester 18-12 at Kingsholm.

Irish had already lost three times to their hosts in domestic and European competitions this season, but two first-half tries from lock George Skivington helped the Exiles exact revenge.

Centre Steven Shingler added a penalty and conversion, while England international Freddie Burns booted four Gloucester penalties, yet Irish deserved a first Premiership away victory this season at the seventh attempt, which was sealed by full-back Tom Homer's late penalty.

It took them five points above bottom club Sale Sharks, who tackle Saracens on Sunday, and sent them into a five-week league break with renewed optimism of avoiding the drop.

In contrast, a losing bonus point was scant consolation for Gloucester after a four-month unbeaten home record disappeared.