Evens all in derby clash at Sandy Park

Christmas may have been earlier in the week, but Bath were gift-wrapped a share of the spoils in their latest Aviva Premiership match-up with the Exeter Chiefs, writes Mark Stevens.

With just four minutes remaining of another keenly-contested derby encounter at a packed Sandy Park, referee David Rose handed the visitors a belated festive present in the shape of a penalty try.

That score, combined with the resultant conversion from replacement Tom Heathcote, ensured Exeter’s search for a first-ever top flight win over Gary Gold’s side will extend into another season at least.

In six Premiership attempts the Chiefs have still to defeat their foes from the Roman City, although this latest opportunity had to be the best opportunity yet.

Four penalties from fly-half Gareth Steenson (pictured) appeared to have done the trick for the Devon club as they entered the final throws of the match, but sadly it was not to be as a defiant Bath – who had earlier scored a try through Michael Claassens – yet again did enough to thwart Rob Baxter’s side.

Having been left licking their wounds following a narrow defeat at Gloucester the week previous, the Chiefs returned to home soil looking not only to return to winning ways at the first attempt, but at the same time maintain their unbeaten home record in the top flight, as well as claim that all-important first victory over Bath.

To help aid the cause, head coach Baxter was bolstered by the return of skipper Tom Hayes in the second row in place of James Hanks, whilst centre Phil Dollman was also back having sat out the trip to Kingsholm due to illness.

Bath, meanwhile, were also looking for a response following their pre-Christmas stuffing by Saracens at the Rec. Back into their line-up came Matt Banahan, Ben Skirving, Ryan Caldwell, Dave Attwood and Ollie Devoto, the latter of whom was making his first-ever Premiership start at full-back.

As expected, the early exchanges proved a tight affair as both sides look to get a grip of the heavy underfoot conditions.

For the full match report go to: http://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/chiefs-12-bath-12/