Chiefs trounce Westcountry rivals

Exeter Chiefs set themselves up with a home semi-final in this season’s Anglo-Welsh Cup as they brushed aside Westcountry rivals Bristol at Ashton Gate.

Ricky Pellow’s side knew they needed a victory of sorts to advance into the latter stages, but they made sure of topping Pool 2 by running in five tries on the day.

In a dominant display from the Devonians, Shaun Malton, Henry Slade and Max Bodilly all bagged a try apiece, while two further penalty tries from close-range scrums helped to put the seal on things for the visitors, whose remaining points came courtesy of five conversions by Joe Simmonds.

Bristol grabbed a late consolation score through prop Jamal Ford-Robinson, which was converted by Callum Sheedy, but that was their only real bright spot on a tough day at the office.

Showing six changes from the side that thumped Wasps 52-5 the week previous, the re-jig in personnel did little to upset the Exeter rhythm as the visitors flew out of the traps to take the lead inside five minutes.

Bristol 7 Chiefs 35

For the full match report, go to: http://exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/bristol-7-chiefs-35/

Pictures: Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photo Agency