Match Centre: Gallagher Premiership: Exeter Chiefs 22-15 Gloucester

Exeter Chiefs 22-15 Gloucester, Sandy Park

Gloucester Rugby's three-game winning run in the Gallagher Premiership came to an end as they fell 22-15 to Exeter Chiefs in a closely contested match at Sandy Park.

Despite the loss, the Cherry & Whites claimed a losing bonus point to close out 2024 in sixth place on the league table.

The Chiefs took an early lead just two minutes into the game when hooker Dan Frost reacted quickly to an overthrown lineout, scoring the opening try. England international Henry Slade converted, putting Exeter in control.

Slade had another opportunity to extend the lead with a penalty shortly after but missed the target. Gloucester responded with a penalty of their own, successfully slotted by Santiago Carreras.

However, Exeter quickly regained momentum, with Slade’s crossfield kick setting up Tamati Tua for the home side’s second try. Slade added the extras, extending the lead to 14-3.

As the first half drew to a close, Gloucester’s defense held firm, with Ruan Ackermann forcing a crucial turnover on his birthday to keep the visitors within striking distance.

The second half saw a renewed intensity from Gloucester. The Cherry & Whites capitalized on a defensive error, as Gareth Anscombe intercepted a loose pass in midfield and sprinted under the posts for their first try, converted by Carreras.

Momentum briefly shifted, and Gloucester gained the lead after Jamal Ford-Robinson powered over the line from a driving maul following a clever kick by Josh Hathaway.

Exeter quickly responded, with Slade slotting a penalty to regain the lead. Carreras missed an opportunity to put Gloucester back ahead, and with seven minutes remaining, the Chiefs crossed the line again.

Although Slade missed the conversion, Exeter held on for their first league win of the season.

Team line up:

Exeter: Hodge; Woodburn, Hammersley, Tua, Wyatt; Slade, Townsend; Sio, Frost, Street, Jenkins, Capstick, Roots, Fisilau, Vermuelen.

Reserves: Innard, Goodrick-Clarke, Iosefa-Scott, Molina, Vintcent, Cairns, Haydon-Wood, Wimbush.

Gloucester: Carreras; Wade, Llewellyn, Atkinson, Hathaway; Anscombe, T. Williams; Vivas, Blake, Gotovtsev, Thomas, Alemanno, Clement, Ludlow, Ackermann.

Reserves: Singleton, Ford-Robinson, Knight, Jordan, Tuisue, Englefield, Harris, Barton.