Bath Overcome Exeter in 11-Try Thriller for Revenge Victory

Russell’s conversion left the half-time score level with the sunny June encounter three months prior. Just as on that occasion, Rob Baxter’s side stormed back, overturning a 16-point deficit to lead by five within fifteen minutes.

A powerful drive from Kane James breached Bath’s defence, enabling Iosefa-Scott to pick and go for his second try in as many games.

Feyi-Waboso then emerged as a threat, cutting a devastating inside line after a floated pass from Skinner found him on the touchline.

Support play culminated in a try after ex-Bath centre Will Butt broke through a midfield gap to open the game.

Bath responded through bench reinforcements, though Redpath spilled the ball with the line beckoning. Maintaining pressure, Varney intervened to prevent a pass reaching Joe Cokanasiga, resulting in a try-saving action in the corner.

A penalty try was awarded after the sin-binning of the Italy number nine, and with the extra man, replacement flanker Hill bulldozed over. Russell converted, extending the lead to more than a score.

Henry Slade missed a penalty to narrow the gap to six, but Skinner converted from 40 metres in the 79th minute, ensuring Exeter secured a losing bonus point alongside one for four tries. Bath maintained a maximum 10 from their two opening victories.

Bath: Donoghue; Cokanasiga, Lawrence, Redpath, de Glanville; Russell, van der Linde; Obano, Dunn, Stuart, Roux, Ewels (capt), Richards, Pepper, du Preez.

Replacements: Frost, Kirk, Griffin, Hill, Reid, Carr-Smith, Ojomoh, Coetzee.

Exeter: Woodburn; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Butt, Wyatt; Skinner, Varney; Burger, Yeandle, Iosefa-Scott, Wilson, Jenkins (capt), E Roots, James, Fisilau.

Replacements: Gulley, Goodrick-Clarke, Tchumbadze, Beckerleg, Worley Brady, Wolstenholme, Haydon-Wood, Wimbush.

Sin-bin: Varney (61)

Referee: Luke Pearce

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