Northampton Saints beat Exeter in Prem final featuing Olivia Dean and other talking points

Instead, every moment ached with importance. Every margin seemed like the knife-edge that might split the spoils one way or the other.

The final try summed it up. Exeter captain Dafydd Jenkins had served out his 10 minutes in the sin bin. He was waiting only for the next stoppage to rejoin the fray.

But ahead by two points, Northampton kept the ball, and their powerplay, alive for 13 phases.

When Fin Smith put his kick in behind the Exeter defence it was tracking towards the touchline, but a rogue bounce took it back infield. George Hendy dived and dotted down. Saints led by nine. And still did so at the final whistle.

Every small moment seemed to have a big impact on the outcome.

It was compelling viewing.