| Bristol (5) 12 |
| Tries: Uren, Morahan Con: Lloyd |
| Exeter (15) 20 |
| Tries: S Skinner, O’Flaherty, Vermeulen Con: J Simmonds Pen: J Simmonds |
Defending champions Exeter Chiefs demonstrated their title credentials by beating Premiership leaders Bristol and ending their six-match winning run.
Bears led early on through a fine try from Andy Uren before Sam Skinner and Tom O’Flaherty replied for Chiefs.
Jacques Vermeulen stretched their 15-5 half-time lead just before the hour as Bears spurned good field position.
Luke Morahan went over for Bristol’s second try late but Exeter won to close the gap to the leaders to eight points.
More to follow.
Bristol: Piutau; Adeolokun, O’Conor, Bedlow, Morahan; Malins, Uren; Y Thomas, Byrne, Sinckler, Attwood, Vui, Luatua (capt), D Thomas, Heenan.
Replacements: Capon, Woolmore, Afoa, Joyce, Harding, Kessell, Lloyd, Leiua.
Exeter: Hogg; Nowell, Slade, Devoto, O’Flaherty; J Simmonds (capt), Maunder, Moon, Cowan-Dickie, Francis, Gray, Hill, S Skinner, Vermeulen, S Simmonds.
Replacements: Yeandle, Hepburn, Williams, Lonsdale, Capstick, Townsend, H Skinner, Whitten.
Referee: Wayne Barnes (RFU).
