A CLINICAL second-half performance from Exeter Chiefs saw them run out 43-22 winners against Jersey Reds in St Peter in the Premiership Cup.
The Reds, hosting top-flight opposition in a competitive game for the first time, made a fast start with Scott van Breda exposing a huge gap in the Chiefs defence for the opening try with the conversion giving the Islanders an early 7-0 lead.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso produced a moment of magic to touch down smartly in the corner but a Russell Bennett penalty gave the Reds a 10-5 lead and the momentum was with the home side as the Chiefs penalty count grew.
Tries from Jacques Vermeulen and Tom Wyatt put Exeter 17-10 up at the break but Peter Sullivan cut the deficit to two immediately after the restart.
From there though, the 2020 European Champions found another gear and took the game away from the Reds. Wyatt scored his second, before scores from Greg Fisilau, Arthur Relton and Aiden Davis opened up a gap that was too great for Jersey to overcome.
Alex McHenry did manage to cross for the hosts after he was set free by van Breda and, although Jersey pushed for a fourth try that would have brought a losing bonus point, they ran out of time as the Chiefs maintained their 100% record in the Premiership Cup.
Full report and reaction in Monday’s JEP
