Pulsating Westcountry derby ends in frustrating loss for Exeter Chiefs

The positive side of this story for Exeter Chiefs is they look a totally different side that spluttered to a disappointing campaign last season, but the downside was letting a lead slip in a gripping encounter at Bristol Bears.

Exeter made the short trip up the M5 as part of the leading pack after two rounds of fixtures in the Gallagher Premiership, and they demonstrated tremendous resilience to recover from a sluggish start to lead 14-8 at the half-time interval.

The Bears were quick out of the blocks, Tom Jordan slotting a penalty, but Exeter then took complete control of proceedings, only to be a hit by a suckerpunch try from Viliame Mata.

Despite that setback, the Chiefs got their reward for some excellent play with Henry Slade crossing the whitewash and their cause was helped by a red card shown to Jordan for dangerous play. A lovely finish from Ben Hammersley gave Exeter a six-point lead.

Bristol regrouped after the break and punished sluggishness in the Exeter defence to grab the lead with a converted score from Gabriel Oghre. The Chiefs laid siege on the Bristol defence and had a try overturned before a late penalty sealed an 18-14 win for the home side.