Exeter Chiefs prevail in try-filled thriller to down Bristol at Ashton Gate

Exeter Chiefs ran in eight tries to claim a thrilling 46–35 victory over Bristol Bears at a rain-soaked Ashton Gate, securing a crucial five-point win in round seven of the Premiership Rugby Cup.

In a breathless contest that saw both sides cross the whitewash regularly, Rob Baxter’s men led 22–7 at the interval and, despite a spirited second-half fightback from the hosts, maintained their composure to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages firmly alive.

The Chiefs struck first through young winger Campbell Ridl, who opened the scoring with a fine individual effort. Taking a pass from Zack Wimbush out wide, Ridl stepped back inside his defender and powered over despite the slippery conditions.

Exeter’s pack then laid the groundwork for a second try. After earning a penalty advantage deep in Bristol territory, scrum-half Tom Cairns fed Will Haydon-Wood, whose deft chip to the wing was collected by Dan John for a well-taken score. Josh Hodge, who had earlier missed, added the conversion.

Sustained pressure inside the Bristol 22 brought further rewards as Max Norey darted over near the corner flag for Chiefs’ third try. Moments later, Norey sparked a stunning counter-attack with a solo chip and chase, which ended with Ridl evading two defenders to score his second and secure the bonus point before the half-hour mark.

Bristol responded just before the break, Joe Owen finishing from close range, with Sam Worsley adding the extras to send the sides in at 22–7.

Exeter resumed with renewed intensity and extended their lead when Norey claimed his second, driving over from the back of a rolling maul. However, Bristol quickly hit back, Max Pepper finishing after a clever offload, before Rich Lane crossed to reduce the deficit to just six points following another Worsley conversion.

Any momentum the Bears had gained was short-lived as Ridl completed his hat-trick, bursting through a gap in the defence to restore a more comfortable cushion for the visitors. Will Haydon-Wood, now assuming kicking duties, converted.

Paul Brown-Bampoe then finished off a slick move after a perfectly timed pass from John, pushing Exeter beyond the 40-point mark. Bristol again responded through Tomas Gwilliam from a driving maul, but Chiefs’ captain Lewis Pearson had the final say, powering through multiple tackles to score Exeter’s eighth.

Although Worsley crossed for a late consolation and converted, it was Exeter who emerged victorious in an entertaining, high-scoring encounter.

Full-time: Bristol Bears 35–46 Exeter Chiefs