Northampton enjoyed a shock 13-12 win over Premiership champions Exeter thanks to a pair of crucial second half penalties from Piers Francis on Saturday. The centre's nerveless kicks gave Chris Boyd's side their first win at Exeter for seven years. The game ended in dramatic fashion after Exeter lock Sam Skinner scored an 80th-minute try. Joe Simmonds had a chance to win the game with the resulting touchline conversion attempt, only for Northampton players to attempt a charge-down. Simmonds was sufficiently distracted to not even make contact with the ball. Exeter players complained to referee Christophe Ridley after he blew the final whistle, but it was to no avail, and Northampton celebrated. Shaun Adendorff scored an early try for the visitors, which Francis converted. Second placed Exeter could only muster a Jack Yeandle touchdown in reply, converted by Harvey Skinner, until Sam Skinner's late effort. Leicester won 27-8 against Wasps at Welford Road in a match featuring three red cards. The Tigers led 11-3 when their try-scorer Jacob Wiese was dismissed after 26 minutes. Leicester extended their advantage by another three points before Wasps prop Kieran Brookes saw red to even up the numbers. Julian Montoya and Tommy Reffell crossed for further tries either side of Tom Cruse's effort for Wasps before Leicester back-rower Hanro Liebenberg was sent off with two minutes left. Third placed Harlequins' resurgence following the departure of Paul Gustard produced its best result yet as they dispatched Sale 24-12. Marcus Smith continued to show England what they are missing with a virtuoso display at fly-half, the highlight of which was the dynamic break that led to Alex Dombrandt's try. Smith also landed all three conversions, two of them of tries scored by Joe Marchant, and kicked a penalty as Quins claimed their fourth consecutive victory since Gustard stepped down as head of rugby last month. afp/pb