Worcester 15 Chiefs 30

Exeter Chiefs maintained their lofty status in the Aviva Premiership as a powerful second half performance saw them to victory over Worcester Warriors.

Having netted first half tries through James Short and Ian Whitten, one of which was converted by Gareth Steenson, Rob Baxter’s side were unable to shake off the Worcester shackles.

Four first half penalties from Tom Heathcote ensured the two turned round all level at 12-apiece and although the Scotsman added a fifth kick early in the second half, it was scant reward as the Devonians finally kicked into gear.

No.8 Thomas Waldrom burrowed over from close range for his 28th try in 41 Exeter appearances, before Don Armand wrapped up the bonus point with the fourth touchdown. Steenson rounded proceedings off for the visitors kicking the remainder of their points to set-up a mouth-watering first versus second battle against Saracens at Sandy Park next Sunday.

With European matters done and dusted until April when Wasps lie in wait, the Chiefs returned to domestic duties intent on building on what has been an encouraging league campaign to date. Returning to Sixways for the first time in two years, Baxter’s side were forced into a couple of late changes following a sickness bug picked up overnight.

Skipper Jack Yeandle and replacement prop Alex Brown were both forced to miss out, so Luke Cowan-Dickie stepped up from the bench, Elvis Taione offered back-up at hooker, while Scottish international Moray Low came in to cover Brown. Like the Chiefs, Worcester were also forced into change pre-match as former Cornish Pirates lock Darren Barry was omitted and up stepped giant Fijian Tevita Cavubati to partner former British Lions star Donnacha O’Callaghan in the Warriors engineroom.

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