By PAUL REES
Exeter's rise this season with a largely young group of players has taken many by surprise, but not the players at Sandy Park.
The Chiefs went into the new year second in the table, one point behind yesterday’s opponents Northampton when they were defending one of only two remaining home records in the top flight this season.
“I think everyone has been surprised by us this season, but we are getting our rewards for the hard work we have put in,” said back five forward Lewis Pearson who at the age of 24 is one of the squad’s elders.
“We want something back for the energy, time and...