Bath secured a dramatic 40-34 win over the Exeter Chiefs in a thrilling West Country derby at the Recreation Ground, propelling them to the summit of the Gallagher Premiership table. The match was an 11‑try extravaganza that saw both sides exchange blows throughout, but Bath ultimately emerged victorious after a hard‑fought battle that featured a crucial yellow card for Exeter scrum‑half Stephen Varney.
From the outset, Bath looked intent on imposing their game plan. The opening quarter saw centre Cam Redpath intercept a wayward pass from Exeter’s Harvey Skinner, sprinting fifty metres to touch down and give the home side an early boost. The momentum continued when wing Bernard van der Linde exploited a gap in the visitors’ defensive line, finishing an individual effort that highlighted his speed and agility. Both tries were expertly converted by fly‑half Finn Russell, who also added a penalty try later in the half, taking his personal tally to four conversions.
By the end of the first 15 minutes, Bath enjoyed a 14‑0 lead, setting the tone for a match that would become a showcase of attacking rugby. Exeter, however, were not to be dismissed. The Chiefs’ response came through the power of Immanuel Feyi‑Waboso, whose two‑try performance would become a key storyline. His first try came after evading a tackle from Bath’s powerful centre Ollie Lawrence, forcing the defence to retreat.
When the ball was recycled, Feyi‑Waboso powered through two more cover defenders, with Varney supporting to complete the move. This try injected much‑needed confidence into the Exeter side and signalled that the game was far from over. Bath extended their advantage before the half‑time whistle with a series of well‑executed phases. A fortuitous bounce on the halfway line allowed van der Linde and back‑rower Ewan Richards to create space for Dan du Preez, who forced his way over the line from close range.
A sloppy kickoff from Bath gave Exeter a second‑half line‑out opportunity, and Jack Yeandle capitalised, keeping his team within touching distance. Yet Bath’s pressure did not let up; Russell faked a pass, darted through a defensive line and grounded the ball for a bonus‑point try, then calmly slotted the conversion to give the hosts a 26‑10 lead at the break. The second half began with Exeter firing on all cylinders.
Early on, hooker Josh Iosefa‑Scott crashed over from a short distance, followed quickly by Feyi‑Waboso’s second try, where he brushed aside two would‑be tacklers in a display of strength and balance. Henry Slade, Exeter’s reliable kicker, converted both scores, narrowing the deficit to just two points at 26‑24 and restoring belief among the Chiefs. Momentum swung again when former Bath player Will Butt, now wearing the Exeter jersey, sliced through the home defence, creating a gap for Feyi‑Waboso to sprint in for his second try of the match. This gave Exeter their first lead of the evening, a 33‑31 advantage that seemed to herald a possible comeback.
However, the tide turned dramatically when the referee awarded a penalty try against Exeter after Varney was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on in the build‑up to the try. In Varney’s absence, Bath’s powerful forward Ted Hill powered over the line, restoring Bath’s lead and adding another layer of drama to the contest. The final minutes saw both sides pushing for a decisive score. Slade missed a crucial penalty that could have extended Exeter’s lead, and the kicking duties fell to Skinner, who successfully slotted a late penalty to secure two bonus points for the Chiefs despite the loss.
Bath’s resilience, combined with strategic discipline and the ability to capitalize on Exeter’s disciplinary lapse, ultimately secured the win. Key performers for Bath included Redpath, whose early interception set the tone; van der Linde, whose speed created multiple scoring opportunities; and Russell, whose accurate boot added eight points through conversions and a penalty try. Ted Hill’s try after the yellow card incident proved pivotal, while Finn Russell’s composure under pressure helped maintain the lead.
For Exeter, Feyi‑Waboso’s two‑try haul stood out as a testament to his athleticism and finishing ability. Jack Yeandle’s line‑out try kept the Chiefs in contention, and Slade’s reliable kicking kept the scoreline tight until the end. Nonetheless, the yellow card to Varney and the missed penalty at a critical juncture highlighted the fine margins that can decide high‑stakes matches. The victory not only gave Bath three points for the win but also secured a valuable bonus‑point for scoring four or more tries, catapulting them to the top of the Gallagher Premiership standings.
Exeter, despite the loss, earned two bonus points for scoring four tries and for a narrow defeat, ensuring they remain within striking distance of the leaders as the season progresses. Overall, the derby was a showcase of attacking flair, defensive resilience, and the importance of discipline in elite rugby. Both clubs displayed moments of brilliance, but Bath’s ability to seize key moments, particularly the penalty try and the conversion of early opportunities, ultimately earned them the top spot in the league table.