Scotland duo Elliot Millar Mills and Rory Hutchinson helped Northampton Saints secure a second Prem title in three seasons with a 26-17 victory over Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham.
Two tries in the space of three minutes from replacement wing George Hendy proved decisive for Saints, who had trailed 19-17 before Exeter captain Dafydd Jenkins was shown a yellow card.
Northampton made the perfect start when Lions wing Tommy Freeman crossed early, but Exeter responded through Campbell Ridl. The sides traded further tries from Fin Smith and Josh Iosefa-Scott as Saints took a 14-10 lead into the interval.
Exeter appeared to seize control when Wales lock Jenkins powered over early the second half. However, the momentum shifted dramatically during his spell in the sin-bin, with Saints capitalising through Hendy's quick-fire double.
The triumph gives Hutchinson, Northampton's longest-serving player, the opportunity to celebrate a Prem title during his testimonial season.
It also provides a fitting farewell for Millar Mills, who will join Newcastle Red Bulls this summer after a successful spell at Franklin's Gardens. The 33-year-old had been without a club following Wasps' collapse into administration before joining Saints.
"We've got boys leaving at the end of the season and we just wanted to give them a proper send-off," England centre Fraser Dingwall said after the match.
There was also a winning send-off for defence coach Lee Radford, who will move into a full-time role with Scotland this summer.
After the game, Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson said his side's defensive effort late on was a credit to the departing former rugby league man.
"Credit to Lee Radford: we said this was his last game in charge of the 'D' and we wanted to represent that.
"People talk all the time about defence winning championships, they [Exeter] statistically had the best defence in the league throughout the year.
"But I think our defence has been excellent as well and it really stood up well at the end there and gave us the opportunity to see out the game."
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