BATH SNATCH LATE VICTORY IN NINE-TRY THRILLER WITH CHIEFS
Bath Rugby scored a last-gasp try to secure a thrilling victory over Exeter to go top of the Gallagher PREM table, at least for the time being.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s late try had brought the visitors level after they came back from 26-0 down, but Arthur Green bundled over with the last play of the match to secure maximum points.
Exeter had put themselves on the back foot after just three minutes, with Campbell Ridl receiving a 20-minute red card for tackling Henry Arundell in the air.
Bath wasted no time making the most of the extra player, with Ben Obano crossing next to the posts for the first try of the match.
The hosts had won a penalty following a brilliant Finn Russell kick and then capitalised on a sustained period of pressure.
The reigning champions then scored two tries in as many minutes to gain complete control and leave Exeter in tatters.
Alfie Barbeary added the second, powering over after yet another sustained period of pressure that was started by Russell.
Santi Carreras made it three tries after 14 minutes with his first try for Bath, collecting Louie Hennessey’s pass, after the temporary replacement produced a brilliant break.
Watch: Carreras finishes off sublime move as Bath score three tries in seven minutes
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ollie Lawrence secured the bonus point after just 20 minutes; the quickest any side has scored four tries this campaign.
Ben Spencer picked up the ball off the back of a powerful maul and played it out to Lawrence, who walked over the line on his 50th Bath appearance.
Exeter fought back at the end of the first half, scoring twice in four minutes to ensure they stayed in the match.
Joseph Dweba dived over after a brilliant maul for Exeter’s first, before a flying Olly Woodburn latched on to Henry Slade’s pass to score in the corner.
Bath thought they had a fifth try at the start of the second half through Spencer, but it was disallowed for obstruction following a TMO review.
The second half remained scrappy throughout, but Exeter brought themselves within a score of Bath with around ten minutes to go, thanks to Greg Fisilau’s try.
The visitors pushed Bath’s defence back gradually and Fisilau leapt over for his side’s third of the night.
Feyi-Waboso then finished off a brilliant move started by Fisilau, before Slade converted to bring the scores level with just minutes to play.
However, Bath were not done and showed brilliant character, with Green bundling over underneath the posts to score his side’s fifth try and snatch victory.
The hosts now face a difficult trip to Gloucester next time out, while Exeter will look to bounce back when they host Bristol Bears.
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