A Thomas Waldrom-inspired Exeter Chiefs have claimed a slender 24-20 victory over Saracens at Allianz Park to move into the Aviva Premiership playoff zone.

Both sides managed to bag two tries apiece in the first half, but it was the boot of Gareth Steenson which provided the opening points inside six minutes.

Some fine build-up play by Jamie George soon after allowed Chris Ashton to cross over for the hosts, but Exeter hit back in style as Luke Cowan-Dickie burrowed over less than five minutes later.

The frantic play showed no signs of slowing down, with David Strettle's offload being collected by Chris Wyles to cross over for a third try in the opening quarter of the game, which was only awarded after being given the green light by the TMO.

Having lost their last two matches, it was clear to see that both teams were going all out, but it was the Chiefs who found the whitewash next courtesy of Waldrom's score from close range.

There was still time remaining in an entertaining first half for Charlie Hodgson to successfully convert a penalty to level up the scoreline at 17-17.

Owen Farrell followed in the footsteps of Hodgson by splitting the sticks himself 14 minutes after the restart to edge Saracens ahead, but Waldrom's try inside the closing 10 minutes proved to be the difference, with the former Leicester Tigers man extending his impressive tally for the season to win the contest for his side.

The defeat leaves Sarries in sixth place, level on points with their opponents.