Exeter Chiefs 33 Sale Sharks 17

There was no Christmas Day hangover for Rob Baxter’s Exeter Chiefs side as they maintained their lofty status in the Aviva Premiership with victory over visiting Sale Sharks.

With little to choose between either side at the break, the Devon club cranked through the gears during the second half to notch up their sixth win in seven league starts.

Scrum-half Will Chudley led the way for the hosts, scoring a try in each half, whilst there were further touchdowns for Thomas Waldrom, James Short and Tom Johnson. Gareth Steenson and Will Hooley mopped up the remaining points to put the Chiefs on top – for 24 hours at least – in their final game of 2015.

In reply, Sale countered with tries of their own from Will Addison and Josh Beaumont, both of which were converted by Danny Cipriani, who also added a first half penalty. However, it was never enough against a Scrooge-like Exeter defence.

After mixed fortunes in the European Champions Cup, Baxter was hoping his side would mark their return to domestic action with a big display against the visiting Northerners, who themselves had collected back-to-back wins in the Challenge Cup over French rivals Castres.

Ahead of this festive kick-off, Baxter made a number of changes to his starting XV from that which had lost to Clermont Auvergne last time out. In the pack, Ben Moon and Mitch Lees returned, while behind Sam Hill’s inclusion in the centre meant Jack Nowell was shunted to the wing with Matt Jess the man to miss out.

Despite the re-jig, it was the home side who set the early tone. Indeed, Baxter’s side went through countless phases in the early stages, starving the Sharks of a touch for the opening three minutes of the contest.

For the full match report see: http://exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/chiefs-33-sharks-17/