Newcastle 28-20 Exeter: Falcons take advantage of depleted Chiefs line-up to inflict first defeat in seven games

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The Falcons scorched to a seismic win over the league leaders with Sinoti Sinoti's solo try the highlight. 

This was a huge statement of intent from Dean Richards's men, who climbed to sixth. This was their sixth victory on the trot in all competitions, the first time they've managed that since being promoted in 2013.

Exeter had one eye on Europe next weekend but the Falcons deserve immense credit.

Mark Wilson (L), and Chris Harris of Newcastle Falcons celebrate at the final whistle

Joel Hodgson of Newcastle Falcons kicked a last-minute penalty to seal the victory

'Sinoti's try down the left was unbelievable and then Niki Goneva took his incredibly well,' said Richards, Newcastle's director of rugby. 'Our defence was outstanding.'

The Chiefs had won seven in a row in the league but they weren't at the races in the opening half.

Gary Graham, the Stirling-born openside who has been at the centre of a tug-of-war between England and Scotland, was involved from the start with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend watching on.

Sinoti Sinoti of Newcastle Falcons scored a try in the first half to put them ahead

Mark Wilson of Newcastle Falcons is tackled by Olly Woodburn of Exeter Chiefs

Graham carried the ball three times in a move that led to Toby Flood's first penalty, with Gareth Steenson levelling with an 11th-minute penalty.

After an attritional opening quarter, Samoan wing Sinoti Sinoti went on a dazzling 50-metre run for his wonder try.

Three minutes later, Geneva stuck from 40 metres out before hooker Kyle Cooper muscled over.

Trailing 25-3 at half-time, Exeter came out fighting with Sam Simmonds, Olly Woodburn and Toby Salmon scoring tries. But Newcastle had the final say with Joel Hodgson's late penalty.

'We weren't at our best in the first half,' Baxter conceded. 'We gave ourselves too much to do after half-time.'

Wilson is congratulated by Nili Latu and Kyle Cooper as he draws a foul from Exeter