Exeter Chiefs have hung on to secure a narrow win over Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership this evening.

Danny Cipriani gave the home side an early lead, but three yellow cards before half time cost Sale, allowing Gareth Steenson to find the uprights five times before the break.

Try-scoring opportunities remained rare in the second half, but Cipriani was able to keep the Sharks in contention, adding another penalty six minutes from full time.

Another effort from Steenson looked to have sealed the win for Exeter, but Mark Cueto scored the only try of the match inside the final two minutes to give Sale some late hope, but there was not enough time for the home side to add to their score again.

The result leaves Exeter fourth in the table, while Sale sit seventh.