Newcastle Falcons 19 Exeter Chiefs 32

Will Chudley marked his return to former club Newcastle Falcons by claiming the bonus point try as Exeter Chiefs returned to winning ways at Kingston Park.

The scrum-half sniped over two minutes from time to put the icing on the cake for Rob Baxter’s side, who added earlier tries through Ollie Devoto, Thomas Waldrom and James Short.

Skipper Gareth Steenson weighed in with the remainder of the points to ensure Exeter of their third league win of the season, a result which also lifted them back into the top four for 24 hours at least.

Newcastle who had come into the game in good form countered with tries from Scott Lawson and Alex Tait, plus three penalties from Mike Delany, but it was never enough to dent last season’s beaten finalists, who after a mixed start to the season are now beginning to show their colours.

After a fortnight of action in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, it was back to the bread and butter of the top flight for Baxter’s side, which showed 13 changes from that which had seen off Cardiff Blues 62-25 the week previous.

Backs Will Chudley (pictured), Ian Whitten and Phil Dollman were the sole survivors for the visitors, who were looking to emulate the same fast start they produced in the North East last season, when they had the try bonus point secured inside the opening half hour.