Late try from Billy Keast helps Exeter edge out Bristol 22-25
Phil Dollman was one of the try-scorer for Exeter Chiefs
©PA
Bristol Bears 22-25 Exeter Chiefs, Ashton Gate
Scorecard
Billy Keast scored a 77th minute try as Exeter Chiefs came from behind to edge out Bristol Bears 22-25 in the 16th round of the Gallagher Premiership at Ashton Gate on Tuesday.
This is Exeter's 12th win from 16 games as they look to seal the top place widening the gap with second placed Bristol to 11 points.
Rob Baxter made 14 changes for Exeter heading into the encounter but that did not hamper the result but they had to face a resilient Bristol side that were looking for eighth successive Premiership win.
Phil Dollman and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne scored first half tries but Pat Lam's side regrouped in the second half with tries from Piers O'Conor, Luke Morahan and Ioan Lloyd but Keast's effort in the end sealed a thrilling win for the visitors.
The opening points in the game came in the 14th minute when Dollman went on to beat four defenders to race for the opening try in the 14th minute that was improved by Gareth Steenson. Rob Baxter's men increased their lead to 12 when Olly Woodburn set up Hidalgo-Clyne for the second try in the 23rd minute.
As the half-time was approaching, Steenson and Callum Sheedy exchanged penalties as the teams went into the break with 3-15 scoreline.
It was a complete contradicting start to the second half for the hosts as O'Conor breached Exeter's defence as he dived from close range for his side's opening try in the 49th minute and three minutes later Morahan also dotted down. Sheedy kicked conversions on both the occasions as Bristol took a 17-15 lead.
The momentum once again shifted towards Exeter as Steenson kicked a penalty goal in the 65th minute but the lead was short-lived as replacement Lloyd crossed over in the 70th minute making it 22-18. Just as Bristol thought they had the game, Keast with the decisive try with three minutes left in the game and Steenson added the extras to complete a three-point win for Baxter's men.
Bristol will line up against Sale Sharks next on 29th August while Exeter will host Worcester Warriors at Sandy Park on 30th August.
