Leicester Tigers have moved a step closer to claiming a top-four spot in the Aviva Premiership courtesy of a narrow 12-9 win over Exeter Chiefs this afternoon.

The Chiefs opened the scoring in the ninth minute courtesy of a Gareth Steenson penalty, but Toby Flood restored parity with a penalty of his own 10 minutes later.

The duo exchanged penalties throughout the rest of the half too, each kicking two more to make the score 9-9 at the halfway stage.

Leicester had the best chance to get the game's first try four minutes before the break, but they didn't make the most of a two-on-one situation and Exeter escaped.

The Tigers took the lead 10 minutes before the end with the first points of the second half as Flood knocked over another penalty after Exeter had been caught coming in from the side.

The Chiefs pushed for a late chance to at least level the game and had a good opportunity with a penalty in the last minute, but Steenson's effort fell just short of the posts.