Exeter conquer Kingsholm

Editor

Exeter Chiefs became the second team to win at Kingsholm this Premiership season as they overcame Gloucester 29-12 on Sunday.

Exeter Chiefs became the second team to win at Kingsholm this season as they overcame Gloucester 29-12.

After a disappointing showing against Leicester, Exeter responded well to that setback, taking a 13-5 half-time lead through Ben White's converted try and Gareth Steenson's two penalties.

Although Martyn Thomas went over for the Cherry and Whites before the break, they were outplayed in the first half. And Exeter's dominance continued in the second period as Dean Mumm crossed the whitewash and Steenson added a trio of three-pointers to secure their third win of the season.

Jonny May did touch down for a consolation score, but it wasn't enough as they fell to another defeat.

With both teams naturally attacking outfits, the game started with a high tempo but mistakes and solid defence prevented the sides from creating any significant chances in the opening quarter.

Steenson did have two early opportunities to open the visitors' account, but his efforts missed the target. However, the fly-half finally rewarded Exeter's territorial superiority by slotting a penalty from out wide.

Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter was furious with their first-half display against Leicester last week and their accuracy was much better this time around. But there were still lapses in concentration and, when they lost the ball from the restart, a sweeping Gloucester move sent Thomas over.

Nevertheless, it was a far more impressive opening period and a second Steenson three-pointer restored the Sandy Park-based outfit's advantage.

White then touched down for a converted try as Exeter continued to dominate and went into the interval 13-5 ahead.

Steenson extended the Chiefs' lead early in the second half with a penalty before Mumm crossed the whitewash from close range.

However, Gloucester finally built an attacking platform and, after a number of phases, May latched onto Freddie Burns' off-load to give them hope.

But that was distinguished when Exeter's pivot kicked successive three-pointers to seal a surprisingly comfortable victory.

The scorers:

For Gloucester:
Tries: Thomas, May
Con: Burns

For Exeter:
Tries: White, Mumm
Con: Steenson 2
Pen: Steenson 5

Gloucester: 15 Martyn Thomas, 14 Charlie Sharples, 13 Mike Tindall, 12 Billy Twelvetrees, 11 James Simpson-Daniel, 10 Freddie Burns, 9 Tavis Knoyle, 8 Ben Morgan 7 Matt Kvesic, 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 James Hudson, 4 Tom Savage (capt), 3 Rupert Harden, 2 Darren Dawidiuk, 1 Yann Thomas.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Dan Murphy, 18 Shaun Knight, 19 Elliott Stooke, 20 Gareth Evans, 21 Dan Robson, 22 Jonny May, 23 Akapusi Qera.

Exeter: 15 Phil Dollman, 14 Matt Jess, 13 Ian Whitten, 12 Sam Hill, 11 Tom James, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 Dave Lewis, 8 Dave Ewers, 7 Ben White, 6 Tom Johnson, 5 Damian Welch, 4 Dean Mumm (capt), 3 Hoani Tui, 2 Chris Whitehead, 1 Brett Sturgess.
Replacements: 16 Jack Yeandle, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Carl Rimmer, 19 Don Armand, 20 Kai Horstmann, 21 Haydn Thomas, 22 Henry Slade, 23 Fetu'u Vainikolo.

Referee: Matthew Carley
Assistant referees: Roy Maybank and Ashley Rowden
TMO: Rowan Kitt