Exeter moved to the top of the Premier League with a 24-14 win over Western Conference rivals Bristol at Ashton Gate. The Chiefs defeated the home team 4-2 in front of a crowd of 24,200 and added an extra point via a late touchdown run from flanker Jacques Vermeulen.
Much of the game was tense but Exeter kept their composure when it really mattered, especially when seeing off the Bristol defence. Supporter Josh Josepha-Scott, winger Emmanuel Faye-Waboso and forward Stu Townsend also had tries for Exeter, while Henry Slade finished Two conversions.
Bristol responded with tries from Gabriel Ogle and Noah Heward, with Callum Sheedy kicking two conversions, but it was too late for Pat Lam’s side. Said another frustrating 80 minutes. Exeter may lose top spot after this weekend’s games, but their status as genuine play-off title contenders cannot be questioned.
The home side’s strikers Ellis Genge, Harry Thacker and Fitz Harding are all missing through injury, while Exeter have made some changes from the side that beat Leicester City last time out, including starting Goalkeeper Ruthie Tuima and winger Ross Vincent.
Exeter soon began to gain ground and they took the lead in the seventh minute after sustained pressure inside the Bristol 22 led to a charge from Josepha Scott and a Slade conversion. However, Bristol equalized within five minutes, with Ogle scoring a penalty from close range and Sheedy converting, with both forwards doing their part in impressive fashion.
Although referee Christopher Ridley had whistled for nine penalties in the first quarter, Exeter’s stunning second strike underlined their attacking intent. A flowing pass created space for Olly Woodburn to cut into a sharp attacking angle and Wales Six Nations hopeful Feyi-Waboso finished well to finish off the ball. 12-7 lead.
Photo: Simon King/ProSports/Shutterstock
England manager Steve Borthwick saw Bristol take the lead for the first time three minutes before half-time. The shot from the line was blocked by the Exeter defense but the ball was diverted to Heward who quickly broke away from some questionable Chiefs defense to pass the ball away.
Sheedy’s touchline conversion put Bristol two points ahead at the break, adding to their third consecutive Premier League win over Gloucester and Newcastle.
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But Faye Waboso’s elusive run proved difficult for the Bristol defense and he was at the heart of Exeter’s third try following their first attack after the break. The 21-year-old weaved his way within a short distance of Bristol’s defence, and although his chance was short, his opportunism provided Townsend with a simple finish.
Townshend, however, immediately soiled his copybook and was sent to the sin box for deliberate knocking. However, Bristol were unable to capitalize on their temporary one-man advantage and Exeter held on to a three-point lead as the hour approached.
The second half was more of a war of attrition than the first 40 minutes, with the defense dominating before Exeter launched a late push as Bristol ran out of steam. The home side were unable to capitalize on their attacking chances and Chiefs stormed upfield, with substitute Vermeulen scoring a touchdown with four minutes remaining and Slade converting to secure a maximum of five points.
