Chiefs claim stunning win

Exeter pulled off a stunning Aviva Premiership upset as leaders Harlequins were sent crashing to a 27-16 defeat at the Stoop.

Quins were marginally the better side for much of the contest but aside from an Ugo Monye try that put them in front early on, they could not break down a stubborn Chiefs defence.

The hosts led with 12 minutes remaining but Exeter, inspired by fly-half Gareth Steenson - who contributed 17 points, produced two late tries from Damian Welch and Luke Arscott as their bid to qualify for next season's Heineken Cup was given a boost.

Nick Evans and Ben Botica kicked the rest of Quins' points.

Leicester got their bid for a home play-off semi-final back on track by thrashing Sale 48-10 at Welford Road.

The five points from the six-tries-to-one victory was a major boost for Leicester after successive defeats by the top two clubs, Harlequins and Saracens.

Leicester dominated the bottom club from start to finish, and there were two tries each for lock Ed Slater and centre Matt Smith, one from full-back Mathew Tait and a penalty try.

Jamie Elliott ran in a hat-trick as Northampton moved into the play-off places with a six-try 40-14 demolition of London Irish at Franklin's Gardens.

The Irish backline was a constant threat in the first period, but the power of the Northampton pack took over after the break as the home side scored three tries in 15 minutes either side of half-time to settle the contest.

Elliott's hat-trick makes it five tries in two games for the winger, while Samu Manoa, Soane Tonga'uiha and Gerrit-Jan van Velze also crossed for Northampton.