Chiefs lose out narrowly to rivals

Freddie Burns stuck the boot into Exeter Chiefs ahead of Christmas as he kicked his Gloucester team to a narrow 18-16 Aviva Premiership victory at Kingsholm, writes Mark Stevens.

The England starlet landed all 18 points for the Cherry & Whites as his six penalties ended the Devon club’s impressive seven-game winning streak in all competitions.

The Chiefs, however, played their part in an absorbing contest as Simon Alcott’s second half try, coupled with 11 points from the boot of Gareth Steenson, at least ensured the Devonians headed back down the wet M5 with a creditable losing bonus point.

That point ensures they remain sixth in the standings heading into the festive period, although it could easily have been a higher placing had they not fallen foul of referee Llyr Apgeraint-Roberts as often as they did.

Head coach Rob Baxter admitted post match there were a few “dubious calls” to mull over, but that will do little to detract the Chiefs who must now regroup rapidly for next week’s derby date with Bath at Sandy Park.

Gloucester: R Cook; C Sharples, M Tindall, B Twelvetrees, S Monahan; F Burns, J Cowan (D Robson 74); N Wood (D Murphy 58), D Dawidiuk (H Edmonds 51), S Knight; T Savage (W James 51), J Hamilton (capt); S Kalamafoni, A Qera, B Morgan. Replacements: D Chistolini, M Cox,T Molenaar, M Thomas Penalties – Burns (5) Chiefs: L Arscott (I Mieres 69-74); G Camacho, I Whitten, J Shoemark, M Jess; G Steenson, H Thomas; B Sturgess, S Alcott (N Clark 62), H Tui (C Rimmer 58); A Muldowney, J Hanks (T Hayes 62); D Mumm, J Scaysbrook (B White 74), R Baxter (capt). Replacements: B Moon, K Barrett, S Naqelevuki. Try - Alcott; Conversion – Steenson; Penalties – Steenson (3) Referee: L Apgeraint-Roberts Touch Judges: R Goodliffe & P Dix 4th Official: A Small Attendance: 16,121 UP NEXT FOR THE CHIEFS: v Bath (H), Aviva Premiership, Saturday, December 29 (3pm)