Summary

  • Leaders Exeter go seven points clear with win over Saracens

  • Wasps go second with hard-fought win over bottom side London Irish

  • Leicester climb to fifth with bonus-point win at Worcester

  1. Postpublished at 16:09 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Exeter 14-12 Saracens

    Exeter make good ground from the first attack of the half before they knock-on in midfield.

    But the scrum penalty goes to the Chiefs and they kick into the Saracens 22.

    Right then left goes the attack with Thomas Waldrom trying to force a hole.

    Ah, but again Exeter knock-on in midfield and the pressure is lifted on the visitors.

  2. Penalty: Worcester 5-15 Leicesterpublished at 16:07 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Toomua

    Some breathing space for Leicester as Matt Toomua comfortably slots over a long-range penalty after Worcester are penalised on their own 10m line.

  3. Kick-offpublished at 16:05 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Exeter 14-12 Saracens, Wasps 7-0 London Irish

    Back under way in the other two matches.

  4. Replacements key at Sandy Park?published at 16:04 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Exeter 14-12 Saracens

    Brent Pilnick
    BBC Sport at Sandy Park

    As we get under way in the second half at Sandy Park, you feel the replacements could be key here.

    Exeter boast England’s Sam Simmonds, as well as Australian World Cup finalist Greg Homes and former Ireland man Ian Whitten on an experienced bench.

    In contrast Saracens have a relatively inexperienced group of eight ready to come on - London Irish loanee and former Scotland man Blair Cowan the only big name on their bench.

  5. Kick-offpublished at 16:04 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Worcester 5-12 Leicester, Harlequins 10-5 Bath

    We're back under way at both Worcester and Harlequins.

  6. Yesterday's actionpublished at 15:59 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Gloucester 20-21 Newcastle, Northampton 25-34 Sale

    Michael YoungImage source, Getty Images

    Newcastle earned a huge victory on Saturday, becoming the first team this season to win at Kingsholm in the Premiership.

    And a Denny Solomona hat-trick helped Sale win at Northampton to lump more misery on Saints' season.

    Controversy over George North's availability also dominated the aftermath.

  7. Half-timepublished at 15:53 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Wasps 7-0 London Irish

    Not a thriller in Coventry, Tom Cruse's try giving Wasps the lead.

    London Irish are right in the game - but how many times has that been said this season?

  8. Postpublished at 15:51 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    HT: Exeter 14-12 Saracens

    Brent Pilnick
    BBC Sport at Sandy Park

    Saracens' Ben Earl makes a breakImage source, Rex Features

    What an end to the first half.

    Saracens just do not know how to stop do they?

    They leave the Sandy Park crowd downbeat as they head for the beer stands, and with the wind at their backs for the second half we could be in for a real thriller.

  9. Half-timepublished at 15:51 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Exeter 14-12 Saracens

    The half coming to life in the final 10 minutes with the teams exchanging tries.

    But that Schalk Brits try with time in the red makes for an intriguing contest.

    Exeter have been the better side but Saracens will perhaps even feel the happier of the two at the break.

  10. Half-timepublished at 15:49 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Worcester 5-12 Leicester, Harlequins 10-5 Bath

    Tim VisserImage source, Getty Images

    Half-time at both Sixways and the Stoop.

    Leicester are on course to close the gap on the top four once again, while Bath's hopes could be fading if they are unable to mount a comeback.

  11. try

    Try: Exeter 14-12 Saracenspublished at 15:47 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Brits, missed con Spencer

    A contentious penalty at a ruck gives Saracens possession deep in the Exeter 22.

    A second penalty might be kicked with the half ticking down? No they go for the right corner.

    And a perfect rolling maul drives Schalk Brits over, Ben Spencer leaking the coversion wide of the right-hand post.

  12. Postpublished at 15:47 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Exeter 14-7 Saracens

    Brent Pilnick
    BBC Sport at Sandy Park

    Well Sandy Park has definitely come to life now

    A fantastic break by Ben Earl and Saracens were right back in this game.

    Despite Exeter dominating possession Sarries had created the best chances, but Phil Dollman’s first try since the Premiership final just a few minutes later his set a light under this game.

  13. No try: Wasps 7-0 London Irishpublished at 15:46 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Wasps think they have a second score but London Irish hooker David Paice scrambles back and forces a knock-on over the line.

  14. Missed penalty: Harlequins 10-5 Bathpublished at 15:43 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Hooker Ross Batty is penalised for Bath but Demetri Catrakilis is this time off target for Quins from the tee.

  15. try

    Try: Exeter 14-7 Saracenspublished at 15:42 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Dollman, missed con Simmonds

    What a response from Exeter. Strong carries from the forwards - several from Alec Hepburn.

    Then it's the turn of the backs. Joe Simmonds wrapping around Henry Slade and a fizzing pass leave Phil Dollman with a run to the corner.

    Conversion missed from the touchline.

    That's better!

  16. try

    Try: Worcester 5-12 Leicesterpublished at 15:42 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Bateman, con Toomua

    Out of nowhere Leicester have their lead back as prop Greg Bateman catches the Worcester defence napping to barge his way over near the posts.

    Matt Toomua makes no mistake with the conversion attempt.

  17. try

    Try: Exeter 9-7 Saracenspublished at 15:40 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Earl, con Spencer

    Ben Earl scores for SaracensImage source, Rex Features

    In truth, this game isn't the best.

    Saracens engage early at one scrum but win a penalty at a second - Tomas Francis penalised.

    So back we go in the Exeter half and Saracens nail a first phase.

    Brad Barritt carries strongly, offloads to Marcelo Bosch and his pass to Ben Earl leaves the flanker with a weaving run to the line. Good finish.

    From nowhere, Saracens right back in the game.

  18. Postpublished at 15:40 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Worcester 5-5 Leicester

    Worcester have picked up a level since getting on the scoreboard.

    Jackson Willison intercepts but is caught as he races for the line. His attempted offload goes loose and Alafoti Fa'osiliva hacks on a little too far.

  19. Postpublished at 15:36 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Exeter 9-0 Saracens

    Brent Pilnick
    BBC Sport at Sandy Park

    Could that decision be a big turning point?

    Had George Kruis seen yellow there you would have fancied Exeter to have a bit of a field day - they are looking very dangerous with ball in hand right now.

  20. Missed penalty: Greig Tonkspublished at 15:35 Greenwich Mean Time 4 March 2018

    Wasps 7-0 London Irish

    London Irish are very much in the game in Coventry.

    Twice they have been turned-over in Wasps' 22 and they have also missed chances from the tee.

    Fly-half Greig Tonks short with a second penalty attempt.