Chiefs battle to victory in a testing home encounter

What a difference a week can make.
Subdued seven days ago by Aviva Premiership newcomers London Welsh, Exeter Chiefs returned to winning ways by claiming the prized scalp of Saracens in an attritional battle at wet and wild Sandy Park.
Nine points from the boot of Argentine marksman Ignacio Mieres, plus a second half try for Fijian centre Sireli Naqelevuki, proved sufficient enough to down the Londoners, who replied with three penalties of their own from England international Owen Farrell.
It was just reward for the Chiefs, who after successive away-day losses at Northampton Saints and London Welsh, were certainly glad of a return to home comforts.
With injuries ruling out international stars Craig Mitchell and Tom Johnson, Baxter handed first Premiership starts of the season to Carl Rimmer and James Phillips. Behind them, the back division was re-jigged slightly with Haydn Thomas back nine; Ian Whitten returning to the midfield and Phil Dollman slotting in on the wing.
Saracens, fresh from their 9-9 draw with Leicester Tigers at Wembley, also made changes to their starting personnel with Jamie George, Alistair Hargreaves and Will Fraser brought into the forwards and Duncan Taylor handed a start at outside centre.
Chiefs: L Arscott; P Dollman (M Foster 63), I Whitten, S Naqelevuki, M Jess; I Mieres, H Thomas (W Chudley 48); B Sturgess, C Whitehead, C Rimmer; T Hayes (capt), J Hanks (A Muldowney 60); J Phillips (B White 52), J Scaysbrook (S Alcott 64), R Baxter. Replacements (not used): B Moon, C Budgen, G Steenson

Try - Naqelevuki; Penalties - Mieres (3)

Yellow Card: Whitehead

Saracens: A Goode; C Ashton, D Taylor (C Hodgson 67), B Barritt, J Short; O Farrell (C Hodgson 25-34), N De Kock (R Wigglesworth h/t); M Vunipola (R Gill 46), J George (S Brits 46), C Nieto (M Stevens 52); A Hargreaves (S Borthwick 46), M Botha; K Brown (capt), W Fraser, J Wray (E Joubert 71). Replacement (not used): J Tomkins.

Penalties - Farrell (4)

Yellow Cards: Brown, Ashton

Referee: S Davey

Touch Judges: A Rowden & P Dix

4th Official: L Pearce

Attendance: 6,141

UP NEXT FOR THE CHIEFS: v Leicester Tigers (A), Aviva Premiership, Saturday, September 28 (2.15pm)

For a full match report visit www.exeterchiefs.co.uk