Valiant display by Chiefs

Exeter’s hopes of reaching a first-ever European Challenge Cup Final ended in disappointment as rivals Gloucester prospered in an all-action last four meeting at Kingsholm.

Rob Baxter’s side put up a valiant display against their Aviva Premiership counterparts, but it was not enough as the Cherry & Whites advanced thanks in the main to converted tries from Billy Meakes, Tom Savage and Jonny May.

854279-2Greig Laidlaw and James Hook stuck the boot further into the Chiefs with the remainder of the points – and it will be Edinburgh who now await them in the showpiece event at the Twickenham Stoop on Friday, May 1.

The Chiefs did their best to go toe to toe with Gloucester – who won the competition back in 2005/06 – but Elvis Taione’s late converted try, plus four penalties from fly-half Henry Slade, were sadly not enough.

Fresh from completing a league double over defending Premiership champions Northampton Saints, it was hardly surprising that Baxter stuck with a largely unchanged starting line-up. The sole change made by the visitors was enforced as flanker Ben White was ruled out with a bang to the head, so the experienced Kai Horstmann came into the back-row.

Gloucester – unbeaten in the competition heading into the game – made three changes to their side that was defeated at Harlequins in the league last time out. Into the fray came Mariano Galarza and Matt Kvesic up front, while behind Henry Purdy’s inclusion on the wing meant a switch to full-back for Charlie Sharples.