Exeter Chiefs moved to within a point of the summit of Prem Rugby Cup Pool A with a thrilling 46-35 bonus-point victory over bottom-side Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate.
Chiefs, who face leaders Gloucester at Sandy Park in their penultimate fixture next weekend, completely dominated the first half thanks to a powerful display from the pack who laid the platform for four tries on their way to a 22-7 lead.
Campbell Ridl went over in the corner within five minutes for the first of a hat-trick of tries following a lovely long pass from Will Haydon-Wood.
The young winger added his second on 32 minutes, after Dan John and Max Norey had stretched that lead, with Gloucester’s only points coming moments before the interval from Joe Owen’s converted score.
Bristol rallied after the break and further scores from Max Pepper, Rich Lane and Tomas Gwilliam kept them in touch.
But Exeter managed to stay in front throughout, adding further tries through Ridl, a second from Norey, and scores from Paul Bampoe-Brown and Lewis Pearson – although the Bears did get have the last say, Sam Worsley crossing to ensure a losing bonus point.
The only other Prem Rugby Cup fixture of the day ended in a shock first victory for previously winless Harlequins, who edged a pulsating game Pool B game 43-40 against second-placed Saracens thanks a fine late solo try from Tom Lawday.
More to follow.
