Chiefs beat table-topping Bristol

VIDEO: Exeter dominate after early hiccup

A ruthless Exeter Chiefs showed how they don't intend to roll over and hand the Premiership title to Bristol, who currently top the league.

The Chiefs got off to a dodgy start at Ashton Gate on Friday night, with Bristol touching down first.

But they responded with clear intent to dominate the rest of a thrilling first half. 

Winger Jack Nowell showed his star talent in his first start of an injury-blighted season. Bristol went wide. Nowell was waiting.

Although he didn't score, he's got an assured band of brothers to do the job. Number eight Sam Simmonds put in an excellent performance in front of a watching Lions coach Warren Gatland, who's assessing who to take to South Africa this summer.

Skinner, O'Flaherty and Vermeulen scored for Exeter, Joe Simonnds converted one and added a further penalty, to bring the final score to Bristol 12, Exeter 20. 

Exeter didn't land a valuable fourth try to bring a bonus point. Bristol stay top of the table.

These pictures are from BT Sport via BBC Spotlight and the Local Democracy Reporting Service scheme.