Exeter Chiefs Enjoy Cup Progression

24/02/2025 13:50 Share

Exeter Chiefs were able to celebrate progression in the Premiership Rugby Cup as February came to a close.

The Vertu-backed side had gone into the new month on the back a second win of the league season following a 31-22 win over Saracens, with the cup taking centre stage during the break for the Six Nations.

Exeter had won their opening three games in the Group Stage, with game four being a trip to Hartpury – who had been beaten with ease in the corresponding home fixture.

As expected, the Chiefs controlled the game from the early stages with Paul Brown-Bampoe, Tom Cairns and Dan Frost all scoring in the first half to secure a 19-lead – with Mike Austin grabbing the lone reply.

Brown-Bampoe, Tamati Tua and Ethan Roots extended the lead out to 36-7 before a late consolation try from Harry Short for the Championship team.

Having picked up five points for the win, the Chiefs repeated the feat at home to Cornish Pirates.

Brown-Bampoe was once again the key man as he bagged four tries to see off the determined challenge of the visitors, who had managed to keep the score down to 10-7 at half-time.

The Chiefs eased clear in the second half however, bagging 33 unanswered points and confirming a spot in the next round with a game still to play against Gloucester in the final group game.

Although their Premiership rivals emerged on top in a scrappy game to end Exeter’s 100 per cent record in the competition, the Chiefs still topped the group to qualify as second seeds behind Newcastle Falcons.

Topping the group also meant the Chiefs secured a home draw for the quarter-final stage, with a game against Sale at Sandy Park kicking off the March match action.