Wasps overcome Exeter Chiefs with 13-7 victory

Wasps 13-7 Exeter Chiefs, Ricoh Arena
Scorecard

Exeter Chiefs missed an opportunity to reclaim the top spot as they suffered a 13-7 defeat to Wasps in their Aviva Premiership face-off at Ricoh Arena on Sunday.

The home side had to overcome a series of injuries in the second half as Danny Cipriani (ankle), Marcus Watson (leg) and flanker Jack Willis (shoulder) all left the field while replacement Alex Rieder was also stretchered off.

Exeter Chiefs could not quite capitalise on their early possession but Wasps got their first point on board with a 12th minute touchdown that was improved by Danny Cipriani.

Exeter went on to suffer a further setback as Jonny Hill was yellow-carded for a tip-tackle on Willie le Roux a minute later with the first half ending with a 7-0 lead. Wasps looked to have extended their lead when a long pass from Gopperth saw Josh Bassett touchdown only for the TMO to decide that the pass was forward.

Just before half-time, Tomas Francis was adjudged offside for Wasps to have a good opportunity to increase their advantage by kicking the penalty. However they opted for an attacking line-out and the chance was lost so it remained 7-0 to the hosts at the interval.

Gopperth with his second half penalty increased Wasps' lead to 10 points but following the injury setbacks, Wasps were dented further with a sin-bin to Ashley Johnson for a high tackle.

Exeter made most of the numerical advantage when Luke Cowan-Dickie crashed past the line and Gareth Steenson's conversion reduced the gap to three points but they could not quite go past the line and instead Gopperth kicked his second penalty to complete a 13-7 win for Wasps.

The win has taken Wasps to 48 points while Exeter Chiefs are at second with 52 points.

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