Exeter secures stunning victory against Bath to reach final

In the Prem semi-final, Exeter Chiefs delivered a remarkable second-half performance to defeat Bath 27-26 at the Recreation Ground, securing their place in the final. The Chiefs overcame a 26-10 deficit at halftime, marking a significant comeback that saw them score 17 unanswered points in the second half.

Key tries by Ben Hammersley, Greg Fisilau, and Ethan Burger propelled Exeter forward, as Bath struggled to maintain their initial momentum. Joe Cokanasiga's sin-binning proved pivotal as it allowed Exeter to capitalize on Bath's dwindling numbers on the pitch.

Bath had taken the lead with tries from Obano, Du Toit, Cokanasiga, and Arundell, while Santiago Carreras scored three conversions. However, their inability to close out the match kept Exeter in the game. In the final minutes, Bath attempted to claim victory, dominating play with over 40 phases on Exeter’s try line, but ultimately failed to score again. Their season concluded abruptly with that loss.

Exeter's achievement marks the first time they have reached the Prem final since 2021, and they will face Northampton Saints next Saturday at Allianz Stadium. This victory makes Exeter only the second team in the last decade to win an away semi-final.

Bath Squad:
De Glanville; Cokanasiga, Lawrence, Ojomoh, Arundell; Spencer (c), Carreras; Obano, Dunn, Du Toit; Roux, Ewels, Bayliss, Underhill, Barbeary.
Replacements: Tuipulotu, Van Wyk, Sela, Molony, Hill, Van der Linde, Redpath, Reid.
Sin-bin: Cokanasiga (64 mins)

Exeter Squad:
Woodburn; Brown-Bampoe, Slade, Ikitau, Ridl; Skinner, Varney; Sio, Norey, Iosefa-Scott, Jenkins (c), Zambonin, Hooper, Tshiunza, Fisilau.
Replacements: Dweba, Burger, Tchumbadze, Tuima, Vintcent, Cairns, Wimbush, Hammersley.
Sin-bin: Slade (10).
Referee: Christophe Ridley.