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Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs have grabbed the last two places for the JP Morgan Premiership Rugby Sevens Series Final this Friday (2 August).

Both teams overcame the challenges of Bath and Gloucester at Friday’s remaining qualifying round to secure their spots.

Northampton and Exeter join Harlequins, Saracens, Sale, and Newcastle at ‘The Rec’ next Friday when the destiny of the inaugural title will be decided.

Boosted by the inclusion of four guest England Sevens players, Northampton were the favourites heading into the evening.

They were made to work hard by an industrious Gloucester early on, but came through 17-12. Gloucester held the lead into the second half but tries to James Rodwell and a length of the field try for Simon Hunt proved the difference. The Chiefs found the going easier against an inexperienced Bath, Garrick Cowley’s brace helping to secure a 26-5 win.

Gloucester’s Cherry and Whites again looked dangerous when it was their turn to face Exeter. Tim Stevenson impressed, pulling the strings, with tries to Dan Robson and Jaike Carter giving Gloucester the lead. But a muscular Andrew Higgins effort pulled the Chiefs through a hard fought encounter.

The Saints made heavy weather of their clash with Bath but came through unscathed 19-7, with tries to Hunt, Sadler and Brake.

Gloucester finally did grab a win in their dead rubber against Bath (47-0). Rob Langely scorching over for a hat-trick with the Army’s Apo Satala, curiously playing for the Cherry and Whites after signing professional terms with Sale, also on form.

With qualification assured, the Northampton/Chiefs game was all about securing the best possible seeding for next Friday's final. A red card for Exeter's Drew Locke in the opening minute of the game for a spear tackle handed Northampton a crucial advantage but the Chiefs battled bravely.

The tall and rangy Tom Powell gave his side a 10-0 advantage but Exeter struck back through Mike Canty. However, Ryan Glynn's first try of the evening edged the Saints towards victory. Exeter again refused to roll over with Canty again scoring late on, although it proved a consolation with Saints finishing as top side of the night.

Group C Results:
Gloucester Rugby 12-17 Northampton Saints
Exeter Chiefs 26-5 Bath Rugby
Exeter Chiefs 17-14 Gloucester Rugby
Northampton Saints 19-7 Bath Rugby
Gloucester Rugby 47-0 Bath Rugby
Exeter Chiefs 10-17 Northampton Saints 
 

Northampton Saints* 12 (pts)
Exeter Chiefs*10
Gloucester 7
Bath 0