Bristol overcome Exeter to go third in Prem

Bristol moved up to third place in the Premiership after beating Exeter 20-7 at Ashton Gate.

Match details

Gabriel Ibitoye scored Bristol's first try in the 26th minute. James Williams kicked a penalty three minutes later. Exeter's Greg Fisilau was mauled over 12 minutes after the restart as Exeter got on the scoreboard. Williams then kicked an excellent 41-metre penalty before Luca Ivanishvili crashed over from close range after Olly Woodburn fumbled a high ball.

First half context

Stormy weather affected the game from the first whistle as both sides struggled to keep hold of the ball. Bristol almost scored in the opening 60 seconds after an Exeter mistake under a kick saw the ball bobble around in their in-goal area. The hosts had the better of possession and territory in the opening 26 minutes but were stifled by a spirited Exeter defence. Tom Hooper was forced off with a shoulder injury just before the interval.

Second half context

Henry Slade almost dotted down a Sam Wolstenholme grubber kick four minutes after the restart before Exeter's maul got them back into the game. First the pack earned themselves a penalty and the second maul from the resulting lineout 10 metres out saw Fisilau forced over. The Chiefs forwards won another penalty inside the 22 with eight minutes left, but superb work from Ibitoye saw the Bears turn the ball over six metres out. Bristol went straight up the field and a penalty resulting from a high tackle was dispatched well by Williams despite the tough conditions. The weather proved to be a distraction for Woodburn soon after as he missed a high kick and was put under pressure by Ibitoye, who was stopped inches from the Exeter line. Eight phases later Georgian replacement Ivanishvili forced his way over to seal a hard-fought victory.

Table context

Exeter is in ninth place on eight points, six behind the Bears. Bristol moved up to third place in the Premiership.

Sources

• BBC Sport