Last-gasp Sam is Simm-ply brilliant

EXETER ended Saracens’ hopes of a second straight European and domestic double in dramatic fashion at Sandy Park.

Replacement back-row forward Sam Simmonds (below) scored an 80th-minute try to secure a home triumph and halt Sarries’ reign as Aviva Premiership champions.

Seven days after lifting the European Champions Cup by beating Clermont Auvergne, Saracens looked to have again dug deep as replacement wing Mike Ellery’s 76th-minute touchdown appeared to floor the Chiefs.

But Devon’s finest, unbeaten in the Premiership since October, somehow clawed out a narrow victory following an earlier Jack Nowell try and eight points from skipper Gareth Steenson.

Saracens, conquerors of Exeter in last season’s Premiership Twickenham showpiece, had hoped to emulate Leicester 15 years ago by retaining European and domestic titles – but the Chiefs had other ideas.

Wing Chris Wyles scored a 57th-minute try for Saracens, with captain Owen Farrell kicking two penalties, yet Exeter had just enough in the tank to keep alive MARTIN HOPWOOD Exeter 18 Saracens 16 hopes of being crowned English champions for the first time in their 146-year history.

Farrell found his kicking range from a first opportunity with a 45-metre penalty and his second kick made it 6-0 after 15 minutes.

But then two Steenson penalties in quick succession tied things up. Phil Dollman made an initial break before Nowell pounced from close range.

Steenson kicked the angled conversion attempt and Exeter found themselves seven points clear. But Saracens responded in trademark fashion as their patient approach was rewarded when England lock Maro Itoje grasped a high pass and sent Wyles over.

Farrell drifted the touchline conversion attempt wide and the final quarter was intriguingly set up, with Exeter leading by two points.

But just when Saracens looked down and out, Ellery struck, finishing off after collecting replacement hooker Schalk Brits’ pass – then came Exeter’s dramatic final flourish.