Exeter Chiefs 37 London Irish 7: Champions return to winning ways
CHAMPIONS Exeter got back to winning ways in the Aviva Premiership with a convincing 37-7 defeat of London Irish at Sandy Park.
Exeter Chiefs beat London Irish
Despite the margin of victory, Chiefs – beaten at Gloucester on the opening day – were not at their best and needed late tries from Olly Woodburn and Dom Armand to secure a bonus point.
It was Armand’s second try, with Henry Slade and Woodburn scoring the others. There was also a penalty try award in their favour, with Gareth Steenson adding two penalties and three conversions.
Alex Lewington scored a late try for Irish, converted by Tommy Bell.
Two tries in the last three minutes by right wing Semesa Rokoduguni snatched a remarkable 31-21 victory for Bath against Saracens.
Sarries had trailed 14-0 at half-time but mounted a strong comeback in front of a packed Recreation Ground.
When Ben Spencer crossed in the 73rd minute to put the European champions 21-17 ahead, Bath looked forlorn. But Rokoduguni danced past three defenders on a 35-metre dash to the line to claw back the lead. Then the Fiji-born back intercepted to run the length of the field to seal the win.
England full-back Mike Brown broke the appearances record for Harlequins as his side stormed to a first win of the season by outclassing Gloucester 28-17.
Brown ran out for the 282nd time as a Quins player, breaking Nick Easter’s record.
Flanker Dave Ward and wing Charlie Walker got the hosts’ first-half tries, before England wing Marland Yarde went over midway through the second period.
Northampton atoned for their opening-weekend rout by Saracens by shifting the spotlight on to Leicester’s poor start to the season in a comprehensive 24-11 victory.
England forwards Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes were at the forefront of a precious East Midlands derby win at Franklin’s Gardens.