Manny stars for Baxter's battling Chiefs

IT'S not just Storm Kathleen that was causing quite the stir at Sandy Park, so too were Rob Baxter's young Exeter Chiefs side who progressed into the quarter-finals of this season's Champions Cup with a hard-fought victory over rivals Bath.

-  MARK STEVENS

Less than a week after turning in one of their worst displays of the season at Sale Sharks, the Devonians were back to their rousing best in this absorbing all-West Country affair.

With a howling wind making conditions incredibly tough for both sides throughout, it was the Chiefs who prospered against the elements in the second period, claiming victory thanks to crucial scores from Greg Fisilau and Ethan Roots.

Those scores helped seal a decent fightback from the hosts, who had earlier trailed 12-7 at the turn as Bath grabbed scores from Thomas du Toit and Ted Hill.

In reply, No.8 Ross Vintcent helped himself to a score of his own for the Chiefs who, you felt, had failed to make the most of their possession and territory during a first period in which both sides traded significant blows like two prized fighters.

Naturally, Baxter was delighted with his side's showing come the close. He said: "The one thing we had today was an absolutely full-blooded commitment to be in the game physically from the first minute that was pretty much the only parameter we gave the lads.