Exeter Chiefs book home semi-final with 20-34 victory over Gloucester

Gloucester Rugby 20-34 Exeter Chiefs, Kingsholm
Scorecard

Exeter Chiefs have secured a home semi-final berth in the ongoing season of Aviva Premiership following their 20-34 win over Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm on Saturday.

Lewis Ludlow got Gloucester off the mark with a seventh minute try while Greig Laidlaw added the conversion to take them to a seven point lead. After Gareth Steenson and Laidlaw exchanged penalties, the Exeter fly-half kicked another three pointer to bring down the gap to four points.

Jonny May increased Gloucester's lead to nine points with a 27th minute touchdown but centre Ian Whitten replied back with a try of his own while Steenson's conversion brought the down the trail for Rob Baxter's men to just two points at the end of the first half.

Exeter Chiefs showed more intent in the second half as they amassed three tries through Ben Moon (51'), James Short (55') and Will Chudley (68') that gained them the bonus point and Steenson added conversions on all three occasions to make it 34 points for the visitors.

May went past the line for the second time in the game for the Cherry and Whites but could not prevent his side from losing the encounter by 14 points. The result also meant Exeter Chiefs finished second in the season and will lock horns with Saracens at Sandy Park in the semi-final on 20th May while Gloucester finished ninth.