Order is restored as Falcons go crashing
EXETER returned to the top of the Premiership as Newcastle maintained their miserable record at Sandy Park with a twelfth defeat in as many visits.
Falcons have beaten Exeter only twice in the Premiership and never looked like adding to that tally as the hosts secured a bonus point victory.
Although not on the try scoring sheet, Alex Cuthbert had his best game for the club as he brought the crowd alive with a number of barnstorming runs.
Exeter head coach Ali Hepher said: “It’s been frustrating for Alex as he’s been injured but he’s a big man who is all knees and elbows so he takes some stopping.
“He works incredibly hard in training and is a good communicator on the field so we are hoping he just stays fit.”
After last week’s disappointing performance at Gloucester, Chiefs were much improved with Ollie Devoto and Santiago Cordero assisting Cuthbert in bringing attacking invention to Exeter’s game.
Hence they were able to reward the dominance of the home pack in which Dave Ewers and Jack Yeandle were the leading lights.
Despite their defeat, Newcastle will view this spirited effort as a positive in continuing their battle against relegation.
They had to overcome injury disruption to their front five in the opening quarter and at one stage looked set for a crushing defeat, but, led by admirable displays from George McGuigan and Andrew Davidson, they were able to come away with their heads held high.
In wings Zach Kilbirgie and Sinoti Sinoti they have two huge talents and they could yet prove the key to Falcons avoiding the drop.
Cuthbert gave Chiefs an early boost when his bust and off-load created the space for Cordero to put Simon Hammersley on his 25m run to the line.
Chiefs continued to dominate and, after declining a number of kickable penalties, they extended their lead when Yeandle crashed over from close range.
Newcastle were in danger of being overrun, their cause not being helped by the loss of forwards David Wilson and Davidson who departed for head injury assessments.
They overcame these setbacks to open their account when Sinoti brushed aside a weak tackle from Ian Whitten to send Sonatane Takulua in under the posts.
Despite this boost, Newcastle woes continued with replacement prop Jack Payne departing with an injury before Kibirgie was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on.
The hosts made their advantage count for Olly Woodburn to score on the overlap but that was the only addition to the score in Kibirgie’s absence.
After the restart, Exeter secured a bonus point when Nic White crossed to reward sustained pressure from his forwards before Falcons responded with an excellent try from Kibirgie, who evaded two defenders on an elusive 35 metre run.
Exeter resumed control for Greg Holmes to score from close range before Cuthbert looked to have earned his reward by diving over, only for it to be ruled out for a forward pass. There was still time for the game’s best try when Davidson burst out of his 22 to begin a superb move which Kibirgie finished in style.