Exeter Chiefs 31 Harlequins 17

Reigning champions Exeter Chiefs reclaimed pole position in this season's Aviva Premiership by seeing off visiting Harlequins at Sandy Park.

Far from their best showing of the season, Rob Baxter's side did more than enough to collect all five points and send the Londoners back to the capital with scant reward for their workmanlike efforts in the Westcountry.

Wingers Lachie Turner and Olly Woodburn collected a try apiece for the Devonians, while lock Jonny Hill ensured the bonus point by dotting down twice in the second period as the Chiefs collected their sixth success of the current campaign.

Fly-half Gareth Steenson converted all four scores, as well as adding a last-minute penalty, to wrap things up for the 'Men in Black' who must now ready themselves for next Sunday's away-day at rivals Saracens.

In reply, Harlequins - who were a constant threat throughout - countered with tries from James Chisholm and Tim Visser, while young fly-half Marcus Smith underlined his burgeoning talent by converting both scores, as well as adding a penalty.

Returning to league action after back-to-back victories over Northampton Saints and Scarlets in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, it was a powerful Chiefs side that took to the field for this Sunday showdown. Indeed, of the 15 men that took to the field in West Wales the week previous, only two (Moray Low and Ollie Devoto) remained in tow from the outset.

Harlequins, meanwhile, arrived in Devon minus a number of their frontline stars due to either injury or international call-ups. It meant a first start at scrum-half for Jono Kitto, who was only brought in at the start of the week on a short-term deal, while Ben Glynn was a late inclusion for the visitors after England international Jack Clifford pulled up in the warm-up with a shoulder injury.

For the full match report, go to: https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/chiefs-31-harlequins-17