Premiership Round-Up
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Ahead of the Premiership Rugby semi-final, we take a look at all the results from Round 26 and the contenders that fell short, and those who climbed high.
The grey day down in Sandy Park didn’t prevent the electric atmosphere of a high scoring match in front of over 14,000 rugby fans.
It’s been a mixed season for Rob Baxter’s side. Inconsistency, injuries and a blooding of a new guard have all played a part in a campaign in which the Devonians eventually ended up seventh in the final standings.
There was quick retaliation from Quins, with a kick from Danny Care setting up Joe Marchant to land the third try of the match. A missed conversion by Smith heated up the pressure as Exeter struck back with a break through and try from Stuart Hogg. Simmonds’ kick for Exeter put the home side into a lead 14-12.
Quins went down to 14 men for the final seven minutes, Dombrandt was taken off by the coaching staff with a semi-final secured and the need to protect a key player surely in mind, the Londoners looked to overturn the result with one final score.
However, two minutes to go and two points down, Esterhuizen stole the ball off Argentinian outside back Cordero at the breakdown, but the winger didn’t release. The ball was spilt forwards and Exeter were awarded scrum at halfway, giving the opportunity for the home team to seal the win. Reserve Chiefs scrum-half Sam Maunder was the man to take the try and secure the win. With the try converted by Joe Simmonds, the final score read 47-38.
Saracens ended the regular season in defeat as they were beaten 54-7 by a rampant Gloucester at Kingsholm.
The Men in Black fielded an entirely changed XV with next Saturday’s semi-final looming large, and the Cherry and Whites dominated for large periods as they registered a bonus point win.
