Creevy try settles see-saw struggle
LONDON Irish recorded their first win over the Chiefs since 2015 with veteran hooker Agustin Creevy grabbing the winning try.
The lead swung five times in the first half as Will Witty and Ollie Devoto’s scores for the hosts were interspersed by Matt Cornish and Curtis Rona tries.
Tom Hendrickson’s try put the hosts ahead again on 50 minutes but Creevy restored the Irish advantage and dogged defence at the death kept the much-changed league leaders at bay.
The win for the Exiles ended a nine-match losing streak and was their first over Exeter since a 28-26 victory in Reading on January 11, 2015.
London Irish director of rugby Declan Kidney said: “I am really happy to have got a result. We didn’t spend as long in our own half as we have done in other matches, which means the opposition didn’t score as much and that gave us a chance towards the end.
“They want to win and that is something you cannot coach, that attitude. That is why I am glad they have got a return for it.
“There is so much to do. If we played well, imagine how much more we can do then. I believe there is more there – a lot more.”
Exeter, already guaranteed top spot in the Premiership, featured just three players from the squad that beat Toulouse in last Saturday’s Champions Cup semi-final.
Irish had the bulk of the possession and territory in the opening quarter but Paddy Jackson missed two penalties while Ollie Hassell-Collins had a pass intercepted with numbers out wide.
Jackson was succesful with his third penalty attempt but Exeter hit back on their first attack into Irish territory as Witty was forced over after multiple phases on the Irish line.
Cornish replied soon after from close range after Ben Loader’s 30-metre run had beaten three defenders, but Exeter were again ruthless in the Irish 22 as Devoto forced his way over.
Just before half-time, Harvey Skinner’s pass was intercepted by Rona just outside his own 22 and the Australia centre raced the length of the field to score for Irish.
Hendrickson’s try was an almost carbon copy of Rona’s ten minutes after the break, as he picked off a loose pass from Cornish to run three quarters of the field.
Exeter lost young No.8 Aaron Hinkley with a knee injury and Irish went ahead again with six minutes to go. Former Argentina hooker Creevy touched down after a 5m lineout to secure victory.
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “We’re a little disappointed, a little frustrated, I think we can play better.
“It’s a much-changed side, that team hasn’t had a lot of time together – but having said that I thought we were good enough and had enough there to win, we just didn’t complete things that we normally would as an Exeter Chiefs team, that’s the only disappointment I’ve got.”