Saracens have reached their second consecutive Aviva Premiership final by earning a 29-24 win over defending champions Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens.
In what was a repeat of last year's final, the visitors got off to a flying start as Owen Farrell converted David Strettle's try with just two minutes on the clock.
However, Northampton responded 10 minutes later as Stephen Myler added the extras following a penalty try after Mako Vunipola had been sent to the sin bin.
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Farrell and Myler then exchanged penalties before the pair kicked between the posts again to make it 13-13 at the end of a cagey first half.
There was little to separate the teams at the start of the second period, but the Saints eventually got themselves in front on 47 minutes thanks to the boot of Myler.
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Saracens forced the issue soon after, and they were rewarded when Jamie George touched down on the back of a driving maul towards the line. Farrell made sure of the conversion before another penalty from the England international gave Sarries a 23-16 lead.
The hosts kept the pressure on with 13 minutes through a Tom Wood try, though Myler failed to add the two points. Northampton were made to pay a couple of minutes later when Farrell scored his fourth penalty of the afternoon, giving Saracens a five-point advantage.
Northampton pushed hard during the final stages in an attempt to keep their hands on the trophy, only for Farrell to seal the win for his side with a penalty at the death before Myler bagged a consolation penalty for the home team.
Jack Prescott
