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29 Nov 2025

Exeter Chiefs top of the league after dramatic fightback victory at Sale

Scott Sio scores late winner for Exeter Chiefs to move top of the Gallagher Premiership

Exeter Chief Ollie Woodburn. Pic from PPAUK

Exeter Chief Ollie Woodburn. Pic from PPAUK

Exeter Chiefs secured top spot in the Gallagher Premiership with a thrilling one-point victory at Sale Sharks on Friday evening.

The Chiefs, back to full strength after the autumn internationals, struggled in the early stages of a stodgy contest, as the precise kicking of Sale fly-half George Ford gave the home side a first-half advantage.

A try from Luke James made it 19-6 to the Sharks at the interval and Exeter were in big trouble when Alex Wills crossed the line six minutes after the restart. The Chiefs needed a swift response, and the answer came from captain Jack Yeandle forcing his way over the line and Ollie Woodburn producing a superb finish to score in the corner.

Suddenly, it was all about the Chiefs and the Sharks looked to be in panic mode. Australian prop Scott Sio spotted the defensive hesitancy and just about got the ball down, giving Henry Slade the chance to slot a match-winning conversion.

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