Chiefs notch up first victory of the season

Luke Cowan-Dickie led the way as Exeter Chiefs recorded their first Aviva Premiership victory of the season against visiting Harlequins.

Having suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Wasps and defending champions Saracens, Rob Baxter’s side rediscovered their winning formula at the third time of asking.

Cornishman Cowan-Dickie (pictured) was the main headliner grabber, claiming a hat-trick of tries and producing an outstanding display that watching England forwards coach, Neal Hatley, will have duly noted with plenty of interest.

The in-form hooker was everywhere for the home side, building on a solid start to the season which has already yielded four tries for the 23-year-old.

Aussie international Lachie Turner also weighed in with a brace of tries for the Devonians with returning fly-half Gareth Steenson landing the remaining points with his trusty right boot.

In reply, Harlequins countered with tries of their own from Rob Buchanan, Danny Care and Charlie Walker, while Tim Swiel pocketed two conversions and two penalties, but it was never enough against last season’s Premiership runners-up.

For the Chiefs, victory was the most important factor on the day and although they are sure to play better this season, getting their campaign finally up and running was paramount to Baxter and his players.

Ahead of kick-off the home side had tinkered slightly with their line-up. Steenson was back for his first start at fly-half, Henry Slade moved to the midfield, while a reshuffle of the back three saw Olly Woodburn return with Turner taking over at full-back after Phil Dollman broke his hand against Sarries the week previous.

Harlequins, meanwhile, arrived in Devon minus two of their frontline stars, Nick Evans and Jamie Roberts, due to injury, but were able to welcome back Mike Brown at full-back for the first time this season.

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