Chiefs maintain top three place

Exeter Chiefs maintained their top three placing in the Aviva Premiership with a hard-fought draw against leaders Wasps at Sandy Park.

In what was a pulsating encounter from start to finish, Rob Baxter’s side couldn’t quite sneak over the finish line to secure maximum reward, this despite playing most of the second half with 14 men following a red card for lock Jonny Hill.

Joe Simpson’s converted score ten minutes from time enabled the visitors to claim a share of the spoils and maintain their lofty position after 14 rounds of battle.

Earlier, the two sides had shared a further nine tries, six of which came during an opening 40 minutes which saw the two sides go in the at the break level at 21-21.

Christian Wade and Alex Rieder sandwiched a penalty try for the visitors, while the Chiefs – up against a strong breeze in the first half – countered with converted scores of their own through debutant Sam Simmonds, Jack Maunder and a penalty try of their own.

England hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie put the Chiefs in front early in the second half, but the game was then turned on its head when Hill was dismissed by referee Greg Garner for a high shoulder charge to the face of Ashley Johnson.

Wasps made their numerical advantage pay almost immediately as Danny Cipriani fashioned a bonus point score for Kyle Eastmond under the posts.

The Chiefs, though, rallied defiantly and reclaimed their lead when winger Olly Woodburn squirmed over from close range for skipper Gareth Steenson to slot a fifth successful conversion.

Although the Devonians did their best to repel the attacking force of Wasps for much of the second period, finally their defensive dam burst when Frank Halai countered cleverly with fellow replacement Simpson, who was able to dot down under the posts for a crucial score that was converted by Jimmy Gopperth.

Whether this was three points gained for the Chiefs – or two potentially that have fallen by the wayside – it was a pulsating encounter for the crowd of just over 12,000.

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

Pictures: Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photo Agency