Baxter pleased with win

Rob Baxter hailed his Exeter Chiefs side as they returned to winning ways in the Aviva Premiership with a 22-15 victory over lowly London Irish at the Madejski Stadium.

Following back-to-back losses against Saracens and Sale Sharks, a strong second half display from the Devonians saw them overturn a 7-6 deficit at the break to record their ninth league win of the campaign.

Replacement Dave Lewis claimed Exeter’s only try of the game, while fly-half Gareth Steenson weighed in with 17 points courtesy of a conversion and five penalties.

Irish, who remained rooted to the foot of the table, countered with a try apiece from Ofisa Treviranus and Topsy Ojo, plus five points from Theo Brophy Clews.

However, it was never enough and they were left to rue yellow cards for David Paice and Ian Nagle at key moments in the game. Post-match, Baxter admitted his side’s latest success was “massively important” and just the tonic they craved after two tough weekends.

“Sometimes, especially this time of year, the most important quality you can show is that you can find a way to win and I think we did that very well today,” said Baxter.

“Ultimately our driving game and our scrum were very strong, our bench made a fantastic impact and we battled to what is a very important win. “The truth is these games are getting tougher and tougher and tougher and there is no team in the Premiership falling over is there?"

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Photo: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle