Exeter continued their unbeaten record this season by beating Bath 24-39 at the Rec in what was a thrilling battle against the two teams. Gareth Steenson lead his team to yet another bonus point victory which puts them at the top of the table. Bath seemed to be up for the challenge but struggled to stay with Exeter in the second half.
When speaking to BT Sport Rob Baxter stated that its was 'poor from us today' and that it was 'a bitty game.' He seemed to believe that Exeter were capable of a much better performance.
Todd Blackadder said that he thought his team 'played really well' (BT Sport) and he was pleased with his teams effort in defence.
The game started well with Bath winning the tactical kicking battle. The combination of Rhys Priestland and Freddie Burns both being on the pitch seemed to really work for Bath.
An early Exeter surge left Bath defending on their 5 metre line. Despite relentless Exeter attack, Zach Mercer won a crucial turnover, relieving his team of the threat.
Freddie Burns was first to get on the score board with a penalty in the 12th minute.
Bath were really showing their dominance through the use of their kicks and in the 23rd minute Priestland scored a cracking try off a kick from Semesa Rokoduguni. The try was set up by an outstanding offload from Bath back-rower Tom Ellis who pulled off something Sonny Bill Williams would of been proud of.
Burns converted the try but in the 27th minute Gareth Steenson kicked a penalty to get his team back on the scoreboard. Soon after Freddie Burns threw a pass which was intercepted well by Exeters scrum-half, Stuart Townsend. Steenson converted for the full 7 points.
Bath made a real effort to chase their kick offs and this proved successful when Rocco caught Burns' kick, immediately putting the pressure on Exeter.
Bath picked up their game and thumping runs from Tom Dunn and Nathan Catt and Freddie Burns' penalty took Bath to 3 points ahead of the visitors. However, the first half ended well for Exeter with Don Armand scoring a fantastic try off of Steensons grubber kick. Steenson missed the conversion and the score was 13-15 to Exeter going into half time.
The second half started well for Bath. Their line speed in defence and momentum in attack provided Bath with a great opportunity with a line out on Exeters 22 metre line. Exeter were offside and Bath were awarded a penalty which Burns slotted with ease.
The momentum then shifted with Exeter punching through Baths defence. Exeter managed to come away with three points from a penalty. Soon after Semesa Rokoduguni was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on.
Exeter made good use of the space left by Rokoduguni but were unable to convert and success into points.
In the 57th Exeter attacked well and full back Santiago Cordero was inches away from scoring a try but Freddie Burns grabbed hold of the ball and forced the turnover, preventing an Exeter score.
5 minutes later Exeter were back in Bath's 22. A maul off a line out lead to another Exeter score which was followed up again by another Exeter try through Ian Whitten who was assisted through an offload by Jack Nowell.
Jack Nowell then scored in the 72nd to start a crazy 10 minute period. Chris Cook scored a try for Bath in the 75th. Ian Whitten was yellow carded. Joe Cokonasinga then got over the try line but was held up by the Exeter defence. Bath repeatedly attacked through 5 metre line-outs receiving multiple penalties. In the final attempt Exeter held up the maul and turned over possession.
The game finished 24-39 with Exeter, much deservingly coming away victorious.
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