Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins secure victories in Prem Rugby Cup
The Exeter Chiefs are making a strong push for the top spot in Prem Rugby Cup Pool A, after a thrilling 46-35 bonus-point win over the Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate. This victory moves them just one point behind the leaders, Gloucester.
The Chiefs' pack was the driving force behind their dominance in the first half, setting the stage for four tries and a 22-7 lead. Campbell Ridl scored the first of his hat-trick in the corner, following a beautiful long pass from Will Haydon-Wood. The young winger added another try on the 32-minute mark, after Dan John and Max Norey had extended the lead. Gloucester's only points came just before halftime, from Joe Owen's converted score.
Bristol fought back in the second half, with further scores from Max Pepper, Rich Lane, and Tomas Gwilliam, keeping them in the game. However, Exeter maintained their lead, adding tries through Ridl, a second from Norey, and scores from Paul Bampoe-Brown and Lewis Pearson. Despite the Bears' efforts, Sam Worsley's try secured a losing bonus point for them.
In the other Prem Rugby Cup match, the Harlequins achieved a shock first victory, beating the second-placed Saracens 43-40 in Pool B. The Quins' success came down to a brilliant late solo try from Tom Lawday.
Saracens took an early lead with Brandon Jackson's try in the corner, but the Quins' numbers were reduced to 14 when Max Green was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on. Bryn Bradley's converted try levelled the scores, thanks to Ludo Kolade's pass. The home side then took the lead again, with Jackson finding Charlie Bracken, who scored. The Quins then dominated, with four tries from Jack Musk, Harry Browne, Kolade, and Josh Bellamy, building a 33-14 lead at halftime.
The Saracens made a strong comeback in the second half, with Tom Willis scoring from a driving maul, followed by tries set up by Olly Hartley and Nick Tompkins, all converted by Louie Johnson, giving them a 35-33 lead. The momentum shifted to the hosts, but Oisin McCormack restored the Quins' lead, making the game intense and unpredictable.
The Quins' Jamie Miller was sent to the sin-bin, and the hosts took advantage with Seva Keva's try, giving them a 40-38 lead. However, Tom Lawday sealed the victory for the Quins with a brilliant winning try in the corner, earning them their first cup win after a four-game losing streak.
