Chiefs swat Wasps away
Exeter continued their fine start to the Aviva Premiership season with a 21-11 victory over a lacklustre Wasps at Sandy Park.
Last Updated: 25/09/11 5:26pm
Exeter continued their fine start to the Aviva Premiership season with a 21-11 victory over a lacklustre Wasps at Sandy Park.
After a scrappy and attritional first half, the Chiefs took control following the interval as Chris Budgen crossed for a try and their dominance was also rewarded with three penalties.
Tom Johnson had earlier grabbed the only try of the first 40 minutes but two penalties from Ryan Davis meant the hosts had to overcome a half-time deficit, which they did in emphatic fashion.
The victory sees Exeter climb all the way up to third in the league standings, level on points with defending champions Saracens.
After the hosts had dominated possession in the opening stages, Wasps broke down the right through Christian Wade, but a superb tackle from Chiefs full-back Luke Arscott prevented a try.
Wasps still managed to take the lead, though, as Davis knocked over a penalty as Exeter had not rolled away after the tackle.
Exeter then lost wing Nic Sestaret after a collision with Riki Flutey left him groggy and Wasps gradually began to enjoy the lion's share of territory and possession.
Injuries
The Chiefs' ranks were depleted further when lock Peter Short was stretchered off but it was Wasps who had their numbers on the pitch reduced when Richard Birkett was sent to the sin bin.
Exeter capitalised to take the lead when Sireli Naqelevuki played in flanker Johnson for a 28th minute try, with Ignacio Mieres sending the conversion wide.
However the visitors were soon back in front after a second penalty from Davis, and the scoreline remained 6-5 at the half-time break despite some late pressure from Exeter.
Exeter edged back ahead shortly after the restart when Mieres nailed a penalty from inside his own half, but their injury problems worsened when prop Hoani Tui limped out of the action.
Mieres extended the advantage to five points with a simple kick after Wasps were penalised at the breakdown, but he was brought off soon after as he also seemed to be struggling with injury.
The home side continued to pile on the pressure and replacement fly-half Gareth Steenson added another three points to their tally with a 60th minute penalty.
They then moved out of sight as powerhouse prop Budgen barged his way over after Matthew Jess had been stopped just short, with Steenson adding the extras.
Wasps did manage to score a consolation as Jack Wallace sprinted away to finish off a flowing move, but it was far too late to make a difference to the result.
