Exeter produced a breathtaking comeback to beat Sale 27-26, overturning a 26-6 deficit as the Gallagher Premiership returned after the autumn internationals. Sale had been formidable at home this season, losing just once in the league since January, but Exeter’s second-half surge denied them a rare victory.
Early sin-bins disrupted the contest: England flanker Tom Curry was sent to the sin-bin in the fifth minute and Exeter back-rower Tom Hooper followed six minutes later, both yellow cards for dangerous tackles. Sale capitalised early through accurate kicking from George Ford and a first-half try from full-back Luke James, taking a 19-6 lead into the break after Ford added further points.
After the interval Alex Willis extended Sale’s advantage with a try in the 46th minute, leaving Exeter staring at a 26-6 deficit. The Chiefs, though, mounted a remarkable fightback. Jack Yeandle crashed over from close range in the 55th minute and Henry Slade converted. Seven minutes later Olly Woodburn produced a superb diving finish in the left corner, again converted by Slade. Scott Sio completed the turnaround with a 70th-minute score, Slade’s boot sealing a 27-26 victory. The win, powered by tries from Yeandle, Woodburn and Sio and Slade’s conversions, put Exeter top of the table on points difference. Exeter’s matchday squad included England internationals Slade and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso as well as Dafydd Jenkins, Andrea Zambonin, Hooper and Len Ikitau.
Leicester moved up to third after a comprehensive 39-17 win over Newcastle at Kingston Park, where former Red Bruce figure Geoff Parling enjoyed a winning return. Leicester produced five tries, including a brace from Joaquin Moro, to extend Newcastle’s winless start to the season.
Billy Searle opened the scoring with a 40-metre penalty on six minutes, and James Thompson added a close-range try which Searle converted to make it 10-0. Newcastle replied when Brett Connon’s long pass found full-back Ethan Grayson for a try, Connon converting, but Moro crossed within two minutes to restore Leicester’s edge, Searle on target. A Connon penalty reduced the gap to 17-10 at the interval.
The Tigers dominated after half-time. Freddie Steward finished sustained pressure with a try, Searle’s conversion followed by a penalty pushed the score to 27-10. Seven minutes from time Leicester secured the four-try bonus when Moro took a superb angle to score after a counter attack involving substitute James O’Connor and Ollie Hassell-Collins, Orlando Bailey adding the conversion. Richard Palframan crossed late for Newcastle, but Leicester had the final word when flanker Tommy Reffell finished a penalty lineout drive with an unconverted try, sealing a 39-17 victory.