Published: 5 hours ago | 12 October 2026 04:52 EDT
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Ross Vintcent of Exeter Chiefs celebrates scoring his teams first try with teammates Jack Yeandle and Stephen Varney during the Gallagher PREM 2026/2027 match between Exeter Chiefs and Newcastle Red Bulls at Sandy Park on October 11, 2026 in Exeter, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) 
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter branded his side’s hard-fought victory over Newcastle which earned them a first Gallagher Prem victory of the season “bloody stressful”.
Exeter were careless and error-strewn as the lead changed hands on numerous occasions at Sandy Park before they got their noses in front for the final time to clinch a 34-28 success in front of a disappointing crowd of just over 7,000.
Newcastle overcame an awful start, going behind after only 40 seconds, to make life extremely difficult for the home side, Christian Wade scoring a hat-trick of tries.
Max Hicks added another, with Zack Henry converting all four to secure two valuable bonus points.
Ross Vintcent scored two tries for the Chiefs, while Sam Harris, Henry Slade and Bachuki Tchumbadze got the others, with Henry Slade converting three and kicking a penalty.
Baxter said: “My wife telephoned me after the game and said that was bloody stressful and I agree with her.
“We attacked well as we knew how to create opportunities, but we were badly lacking in defensive energy, being slow getting up off the floor.
“The flip-flopping of the lead prevented us from settling and the game didn’t have the control we would have liked.
“The pressure of the score line meant we didn’t take the simple options, but our defence did improve as they only scored once in the second half.”
Exeter also saw England wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso depart midway through the second half.
Baxter said: “He didn’t feel right as it seems he’s overloaded his hamstring a bit. It will be scanned, but at present it’s more of a concern than a worry.”
Despite the defeat, Newcastle director of rugby Dan McFarland was still upbeat.
He said: “To lose was disappointing, but two points against last season’s finalists was something to be proud of as every point gained in the Prem will have to be earned.
“We went down playing the brand of rugby that we want to play moving forward.
“We had opportunities to score early in the second half, but we made too many errors and there was a lack of connection.
“On 60 minutes, Jake Dalziel’s attempt for a 50/20 went the wrong way of the corner flag for us and that was a crucial moment.
“We have Scarlets away next week in a different competition and we will roll the dice as we’ve got a few players chomping at the bit to play.”
On Newcastle’s star performer Wade, McFarland added: “He’s a really good man, an excellent connector in our leadership group.
“He has dancing feet and exceptional speed and (is) a throwback as he’s not a modern day 6ft plus winger who has to keep competing in the air.”