Top four spot still in reach for Chiefs

Rob Baxter’s Exeter Chiefs kept hopes of a top four Gallagher Premiership spot alive with a 58-26, seven try win over Harlequins at Sandy Park in the Devon sunshine.

The visitors struck early in the encounter. With just two minutes on the clock, Marcus Smith spotted space and a faked jink caught Tom Cairns out, allowing the Harlequins fly half through underneath the posts. Smith converted the score for the full seven points.

It was clear from the outset that Chiefs were looking for speed of ball and neat handling. However, a sense of over-eagerness slightly hampered the cause in the opening 10 minutes before they bedded into the game.

Chiefs supporters’, who had been supportive throughout the encounter, ratcheted noise up a decibel or two on 20 minutes played when Chiefs took a quick tap five metres out and with two offloads, put Henry Slade over for a first try. Much like Smith, the England star converted his own score.

After his stereotypical game of tireless work rate across the park, it was appropriate that captain Dafydd Jenkins got himself onto the scoresheet before the day was through. Working ball across the 22, John was brought down just shy of the line and the ball was popped up to the big Welshman to crash over the line. In a man of the match performance, Skinner slotted the conversion.

Quins did have a book-end on the day as Louis Lynagh clawed a score back for the visitors, in turn securing a bonus point for the score having been their fourth try.

However, as Smith failed to convert, the day returned to being very much about the home side. As the squad took a lap of honour at the conclusion of the game, supporters were able to say their goodbyes to those departing while rallying those who will line-up at Welford Road next weekend for a chance at a top four berth.

For the full match report, click here.