Bath secured a thrilling 40-34 win over Exeter Chiefs in a high‑octane West Country derby at the Recreation Ground, catapulting them to the summit of the Gallagher Premiership table. The match unfolded as an 11‑try extravaganza, with both sides exchanging blows and momentum throughout the 80 minutes.
The first half saw Bath dominate early, establishing a 14‑0 advantage after a series of incisive plays. Cam Redpath set the tone by intercepting a pass from Exeter’s scrum‑half and sprinting fifty metres to the try‑line, a moment that ignited the home crowd.
Shortly after, Bernard van der Linde exploited a gap in the visitors’ defensive line, slipping through for his own try. Both scores were expertly converted by Finn Russell, who also added a penalty try later on, extending Bath’s lead to 26‑10 by the interval. Exeter, however, refused to be mere spectators.
The Chiefs’ resurgence began with the dynamic running of Immanuel Feyi‑Waboso, whose agility and power threatened the Bath defence repeatedly. After evading a tackle from Ollie Lawrence, Feyi‑Waboso powered past two additional cover defenders, with scrum‑half Stephen Varney supporting him to the try‑line for the first Exeter score. This sparked a comeback that saw the visitors claw back into contention.
The second half opened with Exeter on the front foot. Jack Yeandle, Josh Iosefa‑Scott, and Varney each crossed for the Chiefs, while Henry Slade’s accurate boot added three conversions, narrowing the deficit to just two points at one stage. Former Bath player Will Butt, now wearing the Exeter jersey, carved a decisive opening for his team, allowing Feyi‑Waboso to dash in for a second try and briefly give the Chiefs a 33‑31 lead. Bath’s resilience shone through when they were awarded a penalty try after Varney received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on.
In his absence, Ted Hill surged over the line, restoring Bath’s advantage. The match’s tension peaked as both sides vied for the crucial bonus point. Finn Russell, ever the reliable kicker, added a fourth conversion and a penalty try, ensuring Bath maintained a slender lead. In the closing minutes, Exeter’s Henry Slade missed a vital penalty, prompting Harvey Skinner to assume goal‑kicking duties.
Skinner’s successful conversion secured two bonus points for the Chiefs, reflecting the high‑scoring nature of the encounter. Overall, the game featured eleven tries, a penalty try, a yellow card, and a dramatic shift in momentum that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Bath’s early dominance, combined with strategic interceptions and powerful runs from Redpath, van der Linde, and Hill, laid the foundation for their victory.
Exeter’s spirited comeback, highlighted by Feyi‑Waboso’s two tries and the contributions of Yeandle, Iosefa‑Scott, and Varney, demonstrated their tenacity despite the eventual loss. The win propels Bath to the top of the Premiership standings, showcasing their ability to both attack with flair and defend resolutely under pressure.
Meanwhile, Exeter, despite the defeat, earned valuable bonus points and will look to build on their attacking prowess in upcoming fixtures. The derby will be remembered as a classic showcase of West Country rugby, where skill, determination, and a touch of drama combined to produce a memorable contest that will be talked about by supporters for weeks to come.