Chiefs come undone in the LV= Cup away to Bath

Undone by the Irish last week, Exeter Chiefs saw their LV= Cup suffer a blow as another foe from the Emerald Isle proved decisive.

Brought in by Bath earlier in the week on a short-term deal until the end of the season, Irish international Peter Stringer proved the significant difference in this entertaining Westcountry battle at the Recreation Ground.

The former Munsterman helped himself to a second half brace of tries as Exeter’s search for victory over their nearest and dearest continues for another year.

In eight meetings between the two clubs since 2010, the Chiefs have still yet to taste success. Indeed, the nearest they have come to that victory scent was last month when a last-gasp penalty try ensured Gary Gold’s side a share of the spoils in the Aviva Premiership.

That said, the Chiefs will head home from this contest kicking themselves that they did not make more of a first half showing in which they dominated. Chances came and went like London buses, but it was their inability to turn pressure into points that ultimately came back to haunt them.

For the full match report go to: http://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/bath-16-chiefs-6/

Bath: J Cuthbert; R Lane (S Rokoduguni 67), M Banahan, B Williams (S Vesty 33), O Woodburn; T Heathcote, M McMillan (P Stringer 38); C Beech (N Catt 45), R Webber (R Batty h/t), A Perenise (K Palma-Newport 78); S Hooper (capt), D Attwood; N Koster (W Skuse 64), M Gilbert (W Spencer 78), B Skirving. Tries – Stringer (2); Penalties – Heathcote (2)

Chiefs: J Nowell; W Votu, N Sestaret (M Foster 58), S Hill, J Tatupu; H Slade (M Dorrian 58), W Chudley (J Poluleuligaga 58); C Rimmer (C Budgen 70), L Cowan-Dickie (J Yeandle 58), C Mitchell (A Brown 59); W Carrick-Smith, D Welch; J Conlon (S Simmonds 70), B White (J Blanchet 78), K Horstmann (capt). Penalties – Slade (2)

Referee: N Owens (WRFU)

Touch Judges: K Stewart & D Campbell

4th Official: G Garner Attendance: 11,170

UP NEXT FOR THE CHIEFS: v Northampton Saints (H), LV= Cup, Saturday, February 2 (6.30pm)