Bath edge Exeter in 11-try thriller to go top of Premiership
Bath defeated Exeter Chiefs in a dramatic 11-try West Country derby and moved to the top of the Premiership. Bath led 26-10 at half-time, fell behind in the second half and recovered after Exeter scrum-half Stephen Varney was yellow-carded.
Bath moved to the top of the Premiership after beating Exeter Chiefs in an 11-try West Country derby at the Recreation Ground. The hosts led 26-10 at half-time, but Exeter produced a strong second-half comeback and moved 33-31 ahead. A yellow card for scrum-half Stephen Varney then helped Bath regain control and secure the victory.
Cam Redpath, Dan du Preez, Bernard van der Linde, Ted Hill and Finn Russell scored Bath’s tries, with a penalty try also awarded. Russell converted four times. Exeter’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scored twice, while Jack Yeandle, Josh Iosefa-Scott and Varney also crossed.
Henry Slade kicked three conversions and Harvey Skinner added a late penalty. Bath started quickly. Redpath intercepted a pass and ran 50 metres to score before Van der Linde broke through for an individual try.
Exeter responded through Feyi-Waboso, but Bath restored their advantage through Du Preez and Russell before Yeandle scored from a driving lineout. Russell’s first-half try gave Bath a 16-point lead. Exeter then struck twice soon after the interval through Iosefa-Scott and Feyi-Waboso, before Feyi-Waboso completed his second try to put the visitors ahead.
Bath were awarded a penalty try after Varney deliberately knocked the ball down and was sent to the sin-bin. Hill then scored while Exeter were reduced to 14 men. Bath director of rugby Johann van Graan praised his team’s start and the impact of the replacements.
Exeter’s Rob Baxter said he was pleased with his side’s intent and physicality despite the defeat.
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