Hill helps make it a high five for Chiefs

FIRST BLOW: Lock Jonny Hill powers over the line for Chiefs’ opening try

ROB BAXTER heaped praise on his marauding Chiefs as they crushed Bath to book a fifth consecutive Twickenham final and take another step towards a potential dream double.

Two-try Jonny Hill led the way as the Devon men were simply too strong and clinical for their rivals.

And boss Baxter said: “It’s wonderful to be in two finals but we have not won anything yet. The hard work is still ahead.

“There was a lot of pressure on us in this game and I am so proud of the players for the way they fought and they fought to get to another final.”

Wasps now stand between Exeter and a second Premiership title. Before they can even think about the domestic shoot-out, Chiefs have a European date with destiny against Racing 92 on Saturday.

That mouth-watering Champions Cup Final was put on the back burner at Sandy Park as lock Hill crashed over for two of his side’s five tries, and Exeter showed just why they are pretty much invincible at their HQ.

Each time Chiefs applied the pressure they ticked the board over whereas Bath threatened but could not deliver.

Ruairdh Mcconnochie and Will Stuart both had tries ruled out and a lack of cutting edge cost Bath dear as they trailed 14-6 at the break even though Chiefs had Hill in the bin for a shoulder hit on Toby Faletau at a ruck.

Hill had powered over for a 17th-minute try converted by

Joe Simmons, who kicked ten points in total. Rhys Priestland’s two penalties reduced the gap to a point when Chiefs collapsed a scrum and sinned at a break down.

Yet Chiefs were always dangerous and

LUKE HERE: CowanDickie of Exeter scores his team’s second try

England hooker Luke Cowan-dickie burrowed his way over from close range.

Hill returned to the field with his side still in control. Bath continued to huff and puff while the hosts responded with more venom and cutting edge, scrum-half Simmonds bursting through and off-loading to Stuart Hogg to cross from close in.

Hill celebrated his second and Chiefs’ fourth try when crashing over from close range as Bath wilted both physically and mentally.

Centre Ollie Devoto finished the job with the final score after Simmonds’ break and pass.

Man of the match Simmonds claimed: “It’s brilliant to get to the final again. From 1 to 23 the boys gave everything but we have not won anything yet.”

Bath boss Stuart Hooper admitted: “We needed to take those first-half chances and keep the points building.

“That was the big moment in the contest.”

EXETER : Tries:

Cons:

BATH: Pens: