Exeter Chiefs keep play-off hopes alive with 34-12 win over Castres

Exeter Chiefs 34-12 Castres, Sandy Park
Scorecard

Exeter Chiefs kept their play-off hope alive in the ongoing European Champions Cup as they went on to beat Castres 34-12 at Sandy Park on Sunday.

This is Exeter's second win from five games in the competition as they occupy the second position in Pool 2 that is topped by Munster while Castres slip to the third position.

Jack Nowell on his comeback raced to a third minute try to give Exeter a flying start but Taylor Paris responded back for Castres as he dived past the line in the ninth minute to level the scores.

The home side dominated the possession early on and a swift work from Ollie Devoto sent fly-half Joe Simmonds over the line to give Exeter a five point lead by the end of the first quarter and man of the match Nowell was the architect of their third try that came in the 30th minute from Jonny Hill. Exeter had a 17-5 lead heading into the break.

Exeter extended their momentum after the break with Tom O’Flaherty seizing a kick from Henry Slade to crossover in the 44th minute that was improved by Simmonds. It was also his first Champions Cup try.

Thomas Combezou tried to keep the visitors in the game when he dotted down in the 47th minute but Slade hit back with a 54th minute try as the scoreline moved to 29-12.

With Castres reduced to 14-men from the 59th minute when Tudor Stroe was sent-off for a foul play, they had little chance and Luke Cowan-Dickie with a 66th minute touched down capped off a 34-12 victory for Exeter.