Exeter Chiefs are victorious

Worcester Warriors 33 Exeter Chiefs 38

Games between Worcester Warriors and Exeter Chiefs at Sixways should now come with a Government health warning, such is the heart-stopping ways these games tend to end.

Two seasons ago the Chiefs celebrated qualifying for Heineken Cup rugby when they scored two tries in a dramatic final few minutes.

Last year – in a case of history seemingly repeating itself – Rob Baxter’s side nabbed another last-gasp success thanks to a touchdown from Aussie star Dean Mumm.

This time round, the Chiefs maintained their 100 per cent record over the Warriors in the top flight as they held firm to withstand a late attacking onslaught from Dean Ryan’s desperate Worcester side.

Tries from Jack Yeandle (2), Dave Lewis, Sam Hill and Gareth Steenson, who also weighed in with 13 points from the boot, gave the Chiefs a vital victory in their quest to reach next season’s European Champions Cup.

However, they were made to fight all the way by the never-say-die Warriors, who themselves countered with tries from David Lemi (2), Chris Pennell and Augustin Creevy, as well as three penalties and two conversions from fly-half Ryan Lamb.

Having been given a week off due to their exit from Europe, the Chiefs headed to the Midlands determined to get their campaign back on track after successive league defeats to Leicester Tigers and Gloucester in recent weeks.

Changes to the Exeter line-up saw returns in the back division for Steenson, Sam Hill and Fetu’u Vainikolo; while up front Don Armand came in for his first-ever Premiership start in the second-row, whilst ahead of him Alex Brown was given the nod at tight-head. Armand’s inclusion meant skipper Dean Mumm was shunted to the back-row alongside Dave Ewers and former Warriors favourite Kai Horstmann.

The home side, meanwhile, also made changes to their line-up that claimed a first league win of the season at Newcastle Falcons last time out. The Warriors drafted back into their ranks international stars Lemi and Euan Murray, while former Exeter flyer Josh Drauniniu lined up on the right wing on his 50th appearance for the club.

With their Premiership existence firmly on the line, the Warriors – as expected – came out flying at a sun-drenched Sixways. The Midlanders controlled the early exchanges and had the chance to claim the game’s opening points on four minutes when the Chiefs were pulled up for not releasing at the tackle. Sadly, Lamb could not capitalise as he shanked his kick from the left touchline wide of the near post.

*Pictures: Exeter Rugby Club/ Pinnacle Photo Agency

See more at: http://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/warriors-33-chiefs-38/#sthash.rJv0q2Z...

Referee: J-P Doyle

Attendance: 8,820

UP NEXT FOR THE CHIEFS: v Sale Sharks (H), Aviva Premiership, Saturday, April 19 (3pm)