Report: Exeter Chiefs 42-19 Bristol Bears

First-half tries from Jack Bates and Tom Pincus were cancelled out by a strong Chiefs outfit, as they wrapped up the bonus point by half-time to lead 28-12 at the break.

Jonny Hill, Jack Maunder, Sam Simmonds and Harry Williams all went over from close range inside the opening 40 minutes, before Dave Dennis’ effort midway through the second half put Rob Baxter’s side into a commanding position.

Will Capon grabbed Bristol’s third to take them within a score of the bonus point, but it was Chiefs who had the final say through Marcus Street to take the spoils in Devon.

The game was just two minutes old when Jonny Hill galloped down the touchline to open the scoring at Sandy Park and gives the home side the perfect start.

But Bristol hit back in style with a maiden senior try for Jack Bates, who collected Ian Madigan’s cross-field kick before applying a strong finish in the corner.

Jack Maunder’s trademark sniping score restored the Chiefs advantage, before Sam Simmonds powered over from close range for a 21-5 lead.

Bristol fought back again and Tom Pincus’ perseverance when chasing a kick was rewarded with a charge down of Max Bodilly’s clearance and a second try for the visitors.

Chiefs though, turned the screw before half time and a series of close drives saw Harry Williams touch down for the bonus-point score.

The opening exchanges of the second half saw Pat Lam’s men gain a foothold in both possession and territory, but after seeing a few chances go begging at one end, Dave Dennis made them pay with a fifth Chiefs try on 61 minutes.

A well-worked driving lineout led to Will Capon’s first competitive try for the club, as Bristol sensed a consolation bonus point.

But Marcus Street burrowed to the line to crown Chiefs’ victory and send them through to the last four of the Premiership Cup.

Exeter Chiefs: Bodilly, O'Flaherty, Whitten, Hendrickson, Woodburn, J Simmonds, J Maunder; Hepburn, Yeandle (c), Williams, Dennis, Hill, Ewers, Vermeulen, S Simmonds.
Replacements: Norey, Moon, Street, Kirsten, Kvesic, S Maunder, Steenson, Skinner.

Bristol Bears: Pincus (Lloyd 56); Fricker, Powell (Johnson-Fisher 66), Bedlow, Bates; Madigan, Stirzaker (c); Y Thomas, Kloska (Capon 48), N Thomas (Thiede 48), Attwood (Hamilton 60), Muldowney, Hawkins, Dun, Batley.
Replacements: Capon, Dawe, Thiede, Hamilton, Randall, Lloyd, Eden, Johnson-Fisher.

Exeter Chiefs: Tries: Hill 2, J Maunder 12, S Simmonds 20, Williams 32, Dennis 61, Street 77. Cons: Simmonds 2, 12, 20, 32, 61, Steenson 77.

Bristol Bears: Tries: Bates 8, Pincus 25, Capon 66. Cons: Madigan 25, 66.

Bristol were left with plenty of work to do at half time, trailing by by 16 points - but after long periods of possession and territory inside the Exeter 22 early in the second half, the Chiefs fought their way back downfield and put the game to bed with a try from Dave Dennis.

A lively performance from the Australian scrum-half, who was captaining the side for the first time this afternoon.

Stirzaker was impressive around the fringes and controlled Bristol's tempo with authority, as the Bears put in a battling display at Sandy Park.

📽️| "I can't fault the effort. I'm pleased with where we are as a squad and we're ready start @premrugby."

Pat Lam reflects on #PremRugbyCup defeat at Sandy Park. pic.twitter.com/ETiT7OvYeh

— Bristol Bears (@BristolBears) October 12, 2019

Some superheroes wear capes, others are Capes! #BGSFamily https://t.co/IovnOgH2ZY

— Roy Jones (@RSJ_BGS) October 12, 2019

A young Bears side (could even be classed as Cubs?) did their best against a stronger Exeter team. Good to see some youngster getting game time. Listen to our review in next week’s podcast https://t.co/3WQB2kpvRw https://t.co/nt9HxezqFN

— Bears Beyond The Gate (@BearsBeyondGate) October 12, 2019