Rob Baxter’s men march on with win over Glasgow
EXETER made hard work of getting their Cup campaign off to a winning start as it took them until two minutes from time to seal victory and end Glasgow’s unbeaten start to the season.
Chiefs surrendered an early ten point lead as Finn Russell inspired Glasgow to get their points on the scoreboard.
Exeter looked in trouble and seemed destined to lose their opening European fixtures for the fourth time in five seasons but their pack became the dominant force to score three close range tries and set them up for a difficult trip to Montpellier next Sunday.
Jonny Hill and Harry Williams led the Exeter onslaught up front to allow Gareth Steenson to control matters, but the Chiefs’ backs were kept in check.
Glasgow battled hard in defence and were the more creative side but had to live off too little possession and lost a crucial away bonus point at the death. This was rough justice on the efforts of enterprising half-backs, Russell and Ali Price, who tested the home defence at every opportunity.
Glasgow began badly when Russell’s kick-off went straight into touch but they hit back to dominate the early exchanges and take the lead.
The home pack were shunted backwards at a scrum and from the resulting penalty, Russell knocked over the 30m kick.
The Scots suffered a blow when Fraser Brown limped off, but moments later they scored the first try when Tommy Seymour out-jumped Phil Dollman to collect Russell’s brilliant cross-field kick.
The outside half converted from the touchline before Exeter responded with their first period of sustained pressure, which culminated in Williams forcing his way over.
Chiefs nearly had another when Steenson made a neat break before Ian Whitten was dragged down 5m out but the visitors just kept their line intact. However the respite was only temporary as another barrage of Exeter pressure saw Hill crash over.
The second quarter belonged totally to the hosts as Glasgow could not cope with the ferocity of the opposition pack but Exeter could not get any reward and their lead was only 14-10 at the interval.
After the restart a high tackle on Lachie Turner allowed Steenson to extend the advantage but the Scots remained in contention with their second try.
A well-judged kick from Price saw Nic White collect but he was collared and Glasgow secured posses. Russell attacked the blindside before kicking ahead and Lee Jones was alert to secure the touchdown.
The score was against the run of play and Exeter resumed control of territory and possession.
Ill-discipline was not helping the Scottish cause as they conceded penalties to try and stem the tide but Chiefs declined a couple of kickable penalties in favour of attacking lineouts, which failed to bring dividends.
Exeter brought on Thomas Waldrom and James Short for their first appearances since being injured in pre-season as Chiefs looked to be tiring.
With nine minutes remaining, Steenson should have given his side some breathing space but his 35m kick rebounded off the post.
Chiefs overcame the miss to regroup and pin their opponents in their own 22 and deservedly secured victory when Sam Simmonds inched his way over for the crucial with Steenson’s conversion depriving Glasgow of a vital bonus point.