Exeter Chief Will Rigg. Pic from PPAUK
Fair enough, it was a dead rubber in terms of qualification for the next stages of the Premiership Rugby Cup, but a win over Westcountry rivals Bristol Bears is always welcome for the Exeter Chiefs.
A soggy Sandy Park celebrated Will Rigg crossing for the first home score and captain Louie Galley gave the Chiefs a cushion. Aidan Boshoff scored for the Bears but Exeter reasserted their control with a second try from the impressive Rigg.
The second period lacked real punch, although a brace for Boshoff did create some late pressure, but Exeter deservedly held on for a 22-17 victory.
It is back to the real business of points in the Gallagher Premiership on Friday evening, when the Chiefs travel to Sale Sharks before they return to Sandy Park for the visit of the Cheetahs from South Africa on December 7 in the European Challenge Cup.
Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie
Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.
Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.