Bath withstand Exeter fightback to secure 40-34 bonus-point win

Bath recovered from Exeter Chiefs' second-half fightback to win 40-34 at the Recreation Ground on Friday, maintaining their unbeaten start to the Prem season. BBC Sport reported that the hosts collected a second bonus-point victory in two matches, giving them the maximum 10 points after an encounter featuring 11 tries.

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The result reversed the outcome of last season's semi-final between the clubs at the same venue. Exeter had won that match by a single point after trailing by 16 at half-time, ending Bath's title defence. This time, another 26-10 interval advantage briefly disappeared before Bath regained control, rather than suffering a repeat of that elimination.

Bath's early scoring came through Cameron Redpath and Bernard van der Linde. In the Press Association report carried by RugbyPass, Redpath intercepted Harvey Skinner's pass and ran clear, while Van der Linde found space to score himself. Finn Russell converted both efforts as the hosts established a 14-0 lead during the opening quarter of the match.

Stephen Varney's reply gave Exeter a foothold, but Dan du Preez added Bath's third try following work involving Van der Linde and Ewan Richards. Jack Yeandle then scored from a driving line-out for the visitors. Russell secured Bath's fourth try before the interval and added the conversion, completing a first half in which the hosts had already earned their attacking bonus point.

Exeter responded with three unanswered tries after the restart. Josh Iosefa-Scott crossed from close range before Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scored twice, with former Bath centre Will Butt helping create the winger's second. The visitors had overturned their substantial deficit within 15 minutes of the second half, putting Bath behind despite the home side's productive opening period.

The decisive response included a penalty try after Varney deliberately knocked on a pass intended for Joe Cokanasiga. Varney was sent to the sin-bin, and replacement Ted Hill subsequently scored for Bath. Russell's conversion increased the margin beyond seven points, leaving Exeter needing more than one converted try to move ahead again.

Skinner's 79th-minute penalty reduced the final gap to six and secured Exeter a losing bonus point alongside their try bonus. BBC Sport reported that Bath director of rugby Johann van Graan credited his replacements' contribution to the recovery. Exeter nevertheless finished with a second consecutive league defeat.