Exeter Chiefs snatch late 17-15 victory over Newcastle Falcons

Exeter Chiefs 17-15 Newcastle Falcons, Sandy Park

The Exeter Chiefs claimed a dramatic 17-15 win over the Newcastle Falcons at Sandy Park, relying on a last-minute try to secure victory in a match defined by tense defensive battles and missed opportunities.

The Falcons looked poised to leave with a rare away win, but Exeter’s late surge ensured the points stayed in Devon.

The Chiefs opened the scoring early with an efficient attacking move. In the 7th minute, winger Will Rigg finished a sweeping phase, diving over in the corner. Henry Slade added the extras to give the home side a 7-0 lead.

Newcastle responded quickly. Just six minutes later, in the 13th minute, scrum-half Joe Davis, making his first start, pounced on a loose pass and sprinted 30 metres to score under the posts. Brett Connon converted to level the game at 7-7.

From there, the remainder of the first half settled into a grinding affair. Both sides tested each other with tactical kicks and structured attacks, but the defenses remained firm.

Handling errors and penalties at key moments disrupted attacking continuity, and the score remained unchanged heading into halftime.

The second half was more of the same — physical, strategic, but ultimately frustrating for both sides in the scoring department. Newcastle had a promising spell of possession around the 50th minute, working their way into Exeter’s 22, but a knock-on and subsequent scrum penalty allowed the Chiefs to relieve pressure.

Exeter, too, had their chances. Twice they drove into the red zone, but strong defensive efforts from the Falcons, led by back-rowers Guy Pepper and Callum Chick, kept them out. With the scoreboard stuck at 7-7, and just 10 minutes remaining, tension began to mount in the stadium.

In the 72nd minute, Brett Connon slotted a penalty from in front to edge the Falcons into the lead at 10-7. Moments later, Exeter responded with a penalty of their own, tied up again at 10-10.

But the real drama came in the final minute. A quick tap penalty saw Greg Fisilau crash over from close range in the 79th minute, putting Exeter ahead. Although the conversion was missed, the Chiefs now led 15-10.

Desperate for a response, the Falcons mounted one last attack, and in the dying seconds, they struck. A perfectly timed offload saw Adam Radwan slice through and dive over to bring the Falcons within two points at 17-15. However, Connon's final conversion attempt drifted wide, and the Chiefs held on for a dramatic win.