In pics: Exeter Chiefs win LV= Cup final

Playing in front of their home fans at Sandy Park, the Chiefs make the perfect start as the pack drive Chris Whitehead over for an early score

The match was a close-run affair, with Northampton's strength in depth tested to the limit with several players on international duty on the final weekend of the Six Nations

Neither defence gave much away, with Northampton's talented backline - including the likes of England's Ben Foden - largely kept under wraps

With Northampton having an underwhelming record in recent final appearances and Exeter striving for their first major silverware in 143 years, tensions occasionally spilled over

Henry Slade's goalkicking for Exeter is not perfect, but his five points with the boot ultimately prove crucial

Dean Mumm rounds off a superb Exeter move to put the Chiefs further ahead as the pressure begins to tell on the Northampton defence

Exeter full-back Luke Arscott comes agonisingly close to putting the game to bed for the Chiefs with a jinking run which ends just short of the line after a Northampton tap tackle

Samu Manoa bursts over for Northampton to bring his side within seven points, giving Saints the hope of forcing the game to extra-time

Despite Northampton throwing everything into the last few minutes, Exeter hold onto their lead to seal the club's first major trophy and condemn the Saints to another near miss

Skipper Dean Mumm lifts the LV= Cup trophy, sparking huge celebrations as Exeter - who were only promoted to the Premiership in 2010 - take another significant step in their journey from Championship also-rans to established top flight outfit