Chiefs complete a successful Bear Hunt

In front of a packed Ashton Gate crowd, Exeter Chiefs’ bear hunt proved fruitful as they defeated a physical Bristol side in a feisty Friday night encounter to end 2023 on a win.

After an ear-bursting pyrotechnic display which lit up the dark night sky, the home side took evening kick-off at Ashton Gate.

The pack battle was always going to be contentious, and the Chiefs looked to get the better start in the weighty set-piece.

Things looked daunting with 10 minutes left to play as a penalty allowed Bristol to go deep into the corner. Working ball off their set-piece, they didn’t account on Fisilau’s commitment to the strip in the tackle. The Exeter man won his ball, keeping patience and possession at the breakdown to allow Stu Townsend to clear.

Chiefs kept in the fight right to the very death, searching for the all-important bonus point score. Working with fierce physicality in the Bears’ 22, the commitment paid off as the men in their white away strip crashed over through hefty replacement, Jacques Vermeulen.

With Henry Slade’s conversion, the win was sealed. Bristol attempted a fight-back at the death but were smothered by on-rushing Chiefs defence.

And so, the calendar year ends on a high and the Chiefs look to carry real momentum – testament to talent, work-rate and a strong team bond – into the new year. Here’s to 2024.

Full-time: Bears 14 – 24 Chiefs

For the full match report, click here.