Chiefs continue unbeaten run

Exeter Chiefs will head into the new Aviva Premiership season with an unblemished record from pre-season after they chalked up a third straight win (16-32) against the Dragons.

A strong second half display from Rob Baxter’s side saw them pull clear of their Welsh rivals, who for at least half of the game, put up a more than creditable fight at Rodney Parade.

In the end, though, the Chiefs had too much in the tank and with in-form winger Olly Woodburn (pictured) helping himself to a hat-trick of tries on the night, it was a satisfying outcome for the Devonians who added further tries from Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ollie Devoto.

In reply, the Dragons claimed an early try through Pat Howard, while the boot of Nick McLeod and Carl Meyer kept them in touch up until half time as they punished some sloppy indiscretions in the opening period.

Having chalked up earlier wins over the Scarlets and Ulster at Sandy Park, Baxter always knew this final friendly would offer the sort of test his side would need ahead of their seasonal opener against Wasps on Sunday week.

Keen to ensure his frontline stars were primed and ready for the trip to the Ricoh, it was a powerful line-up assembled by Baxter for their trip into the Principality.

The Dragons, meanwhile, were also revving themselves up for the new campaign and they paraded in their match-day squad, two former Chiefs in the shape of props Craig Mitchell and Lloyd Fairbrother.

And it was the hosts who were quickest out of the blocks on a stunning summer’s evening. Just two minutes had elapsed when they broke the deadlock, the Welshmen making the most of turnover ball to release winger Howard, who was able to dart over in the left-hand corner for the opening try, converted by McLeod.

Worse could have followed for the sluggish Chiefs just moments later as full-back Meyer saw a long-range penalty chance sail just wide of the left post.

The Newport full-back, though, made no mistake when he was afforded a second shot at the target on nine minutes, this after Harry Williams had failed to shift his imposing frame from the base of a ruck.

The Chiefs needed to breath life back into their game after the early Dragons onslaught and this they did when, having worked a line-out move in field through the forwards, they spun the ball wide to the right, creating the overlap for Woodburn to dot down in the corner with little resistance.

It was just the lift the visitors needed, but instead of building on their triumph they allowed a string of soft penalties, coupled with some poor handling, to allow the Dragons to position themselves back in their half.

Former Sale Sharks fly-half McLeod extended their lead with a 20th minute penalty, while some desperate defence from the Chiefs held to keep their rivals at bay as they pushed hard for a second try.

Having survived the threat, Baxter’s side responded in kind at the other end, claiming their second try of the night as England international Cowan-Dickie squirmed his way over in the right corner following some strong approach work involving Mitch Lees, Sam Hill and Devoto.

Slade was again unable to convert from wide on the right touchline, but he did make his mark just before the break landing a simple penalty after a sustained spell of pressure from the Chiefs had got them to within inches of the home try-line.

HALF TIME DRAGONS 13 EXETER CHIEFS 13

Read the full match report here http://exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/dragons-16-chiefs-32/