Exeter Chiefs Go Three From Three In Premiership Cup
Exeter Chiefs made it three wins from three in the Premiership Rugby Cup with an impressive victory away at defending champions Gloucester.
Following a tough start to the league season for the Vertu Motors-backed side, victories against Cornish Pirates and Hartpury University had provided a boost in confidence going into the game at Kingsholm.
A strong side was named by head coach Rob Baxter and they made the perfect start to the match when Rus Tuima went over from close range for the opening try after just three minutes and Ben Hammersley then added a second after twelve minutes – both of which were converted by Josh Hodge.
After the TMO ruled out a try from Ollie Thorley for the home side, Will Rigg added a third for Exeter before the try of the game from Hodge secured the bonus point with little more than 25 minutes having been played.
Picking up the ball in his own 22, Hodge charged forwards through the Gloucester pack and after a quick one-two with Stu Townsend, he went over for try number four.
Townsend himself then scored before the break and whilst Hodge failed to convert the final two tries of the half, it left Exeter well in control with a 31-0 advantage.
The second half saw no further scores for the visitors and a try from Val Rapava Ruskin would be nothing more than a consolation for Gloucester as the Chiefs wrapped up a 31-7 victory to move five points clear at the top of Pool E with 15 points from three games.
Exeter now return to league action with a trip to Bath this weekend.