Match Recap

In a nail-biting Gallagher Premiership showdown at Sandy Park, Exeter Chiefs secured a hard-fought 17-15 victory over Newcastle Falcons, thanks to a last-gasp try by England ‘A’ back-rower Greg Fisilau. The match, contested between the league’s bottom two sides, saw momentum swing throughout, with Exeter ultimately prevailing.

First-Half Fireworks

The hosts struck early when Will Rigg powered over for Exeter’s opening try, converted by Henry Slade, before Newcastle’s Joe Davis hit back with a score of his own. Falcons’ Max Clark then crossed to give the visitors a 12-15 halftime lead after a Brett Connon penalty.

Second-Half Struggle

A yellow card to Newcastle’s Richard Palframan gave Exeter a lifeline, with flanker Martin Moloney scoring a crucial try to level the match. Despite relentless pressure, Newcastle’s resolute defence held firm—until the final minute.

Dramatic Climax

With time almost up, Exeter’s relentless attack finally cracked the Falcons’ rearguard, as Fisilau burrowed over in the corner to seal a dramatic comeback win.

League Implications

Exeter’s third win of the season narrows the gap to 8th-placed Northampton to just eight points, while Newcastle remain rooted to the bottom, 10 points adrift.

Key Team Lineups

Exeter Chiefs

• Starting XV: Skinner; Brown-Bampoe, Slade, Rigg, Hodge; Coen, Townsend; Sio, Yeandle, Iosefa-Scott, Jenkins (capt), Molina, Moloney, Capstick, Fisilau.
• Replacements: Norey, Blose, J. Roots, Tuima, James, Cairns, Tua, Hammersley.

Newcastle Falcons

• Starting XV: Obatoyinbo; Hearle, Doherty, Clark, Stevenson; Connon, Davis; Brocklebank, Blamire, Palframan, Hawkins, de Chaves, Lockwood, Neild, Chick (capt).
• Replacements: Fletcher, Rewcastle, McCallum, Scott, Leatherbarrow, Stuart, Wilkinson, Spencer.

Officials & Discipline

• Referee: Adam Leal
• Yellow Card: Richard Palframan (Newcastle, 35’)

Coverage via BBC Sport. Highlights available on Premiership Rugby platforms.