Waldrom double seals play-off spot for Exeter Chiefs with 38-34 win over Bristol

Exeter Chiefs 38-34 Bristol Rugby, Sandy Park
Scorecard

Thomas Waldrom scored two second half tries as Exeter Chiefs came from behind and sealed a thrilling 38-34 win over Bristol in their Aviva Premiership encounter at Sandy Park on Saturday.

The win has taken Exeter Chiefs to 69 points as they have booked a place in the play-off along with the table toppers Wasps while Bristol are in danger of facing relegation with their 16th defeat this season.

Even though Olly Woodburn got Exeter Chiefs off the mark with a try in the first minute, Bristol dominated the proceedings with touchdowns from Will Hurrell, Jason Woodward and Gavin Henson. Henson also converted all three tries and added a penalty as well to take the visitors to a 14 point lead.

Henry Slade provided some respite for Rob Baxter's men with his try at stroke of half time as they reduced the trail to seven points.

The scores were levelled 24-24 after Ian Whitten danced past the post and Slade adding the extras and soon Exeter began to take control with the first of the two tries from Waldrom that came in the 52nd minute.

Number eight Mitch Eadie raised Bristol's hopes when he scored the team's fourth try while Henson's penalty and conversion took them to a three point lead heading into the final quarter but Waldrom once again held his nerve and the scored the decisive try in the 76th minute to take his team over the line.