Worcester Warriors 32 Exeter Chiefs 48

Having traded blows with a spirited Worcester Warriors for 40 minutes, Rob Baxter’s Exeter Chiefs side delivered the knockout punch during a powerful second half onslaught at Sixways.

Winger James Short (pictured) led the way for the Chiefs who made it ten from ten in terms of Premiership victories over the Warriors, brushing aside the Midlanders with a seven-try salvo that lifted them level on points with second-placed Saracens.

Skipper Gareth Steenson, Olly Woodburn, Sam Simmonds and Michele Campagnaro completed the job for the visitors, while Steenson and Henry Slade weighed in with the remaining points thanks to successful kicks at goal.

In reply, the Warriors were rewarded with a losing bonus point, Jackson Willison’s last-minute try gave them that.

However, further scores from Josh Adams, Perry Humphreys and Bryce Heem were never going to be enough, neither was the kicking of Devon-born playmaker Ryan Mills.

Having shared the spoils with leaders Wasps the week previous, Baxter was forced into changes ahead of kick-off in the Midlands. Up front Luke Cowan-Dickie (knee) was ruled out, so Jack Yeandle was promoted from the bench to help anchor the front-row.

That was until the club captain was forced to withdraw from the action in the warm-up due to illness.

South African Shaun Malton was duly promoted from the bench with Elvis Taione hauled onto the bench having receovered from his broken thumb. Elsewhere, Geoff Parling came into the second row for the suspended Jonny Hill, while behind there was a new midfield pairing of Henry Slade and Michele Campagnaro.

The Warriors, fresh from defeating reigning champions Saracens last time out, handed starts to Jaba Bregvadze and Dewald Potgieter, while their back division remained unchanged

For the full report go to: http://exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/warriors-32-chiefs-48/

Pictures: Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photo Agency