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          Gallagher Prem 2018
          Exeter ChiefsExeter ChiefsEXE
          42
          03/12FT
          29
          Bath RugbyBath RugbyBAT
          • Luke Cowan-Dickie(8')
          • James Short(16')
          • Mitch Lees(29')
          • Don Armand(35')
          • Thomas Waldrom(53')
          • Gareth Steenson(68')
          • Gareth Steenson(8', 17', 30', 36', 54', 69')
          • Jonathan Joseph(66')
          • Anthony Watson(73')
          • Aled Brew(76')
          • Matt Banahan(80')
          • Jonathan Joseph(67')
          • Rhys Priestland(74', 81'+1)
          • Freddie Burns(28')
          • SummarySummary
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          Exeter blow Bath away with superb first-half onslaught

          Gareth Steenson celebrates after scoring against Bath during Exeter's 42-29 win at Sandy Park. Harry Trump/Getty Images
          • PA Sport
          Multiple Authors
          Dec 3, 2017, 03:11 AM
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          Exeter extended their lead at the top of the Premiership with a breathtaking first-half performance as they demolished third-placed Bath at a sell-out Sandy Park.

          A totally outgunned Bath badly missed back-rowers Taulupe Faletau and Sam Underhill as their pack were battered into submission by a rampant Exeter eight.

          Exeter had the game won by half-time when they led 28-3, and finished with a total of six tries in an eventual 42-29 success. Luke Cowan-Dickie, James Short, Mitch Lees, Don Armand, Thomas Waldrom and Gareth Steenson all crossed with Steenson converting all of them.

          Bath never scented a chance of repeating last season's 13-10 win at Sandy Park but they still scored four tries through Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson, Aled Brew and Matt Banahan. Rhys Priestland converted two, Joseph one, with Freddie Burns kicking a penalty.

          Exeter dominated the opening exchanges and took an eighth-minute lead. Sam Skinner and Alec Hepburn softened up the Bath defence with powerful surges before Cowan-Dickie forced his way over from close range.

          It took the Chiefs just another eight minutes to score their second try. Ill-discipline from Bath saw them concede three penalties in quick succession to give Exeter an attacking platform from which slick handling gave Short the chance to nip over in the corner.

          Steenson converted both tries to give his side a 14-0 lead at the end of a one-sided first quarter.

          As the second quarter progressed, the visitors secured more possession and territory and got themselves on the scoreboard when Burns kicked a penalty.

          However Bath immediately bungled the restart for Skinner to gain possession and capitalise when Lees finished off a combination of forward drives to score Exeter's third.

          Exeter almost scored again when Waldrom was denied by an excellent cover tackle from Zach Mercer but the respite was only temporary as Armand managed to squeeze over for the bonus-point try, still inside the first half.

          Bath woes continued when England lock Charlie Ewels left the field with an injury and was replaced by James Phillips.

          The second half began in similar vein with Waldrom and Hepburn thundering into the opposition and after 53 minutes, Exeter ensured there was to be no comeback from the visitors when Waldrom strolled through a non-existent defence.

          Waldrom departed to huge cheers to be replaced by Sam Simmonds, with Jack Nowell also coming on after a two-month absence following a facial injury.

          Bath brought on Priestland and Chris Cook at half-back before a brilliant cover tackle by Watson deprived Short after the wing had raced 50 metres.

          Joseph broke away to score for Bath but normal service was resumed when Steenson scored a sixth try for Chiefs.

          Exeter's intensity levels dropped for Watson, Brew and Banahan to all score tries in the last 10 minutes to secure a bonus point and give a final scoreline which totally flattered Bath.

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          Standings

          Gallagher Premiership
          RTeamGPPDP
          1NOR18+15774
          2BAT18+22269
          3EXE18+15465
          4LEI18+17863
          5SAR18+17957
          6BRI18+1654
          7SAL18-7836
          8GLO18-15232
          9HAR18-14131
          10NEW18-53512
          Full Table