Baxter happy with Chiefs' new hard edge

Mark Stevens
Authored by Mark Stevens
Posted Monday, November 2, 2015 - 9:27am

Rob Baxter believes missing out on last season’s end of season play-offs in the Aviva Premiership has given his Exeter Chiefs side a steely determination to go one better this term.

After three rounds of the new campaign, the Devon club sit third in the standings after they swept aside winless Newcastle Falcons 41-3 at Kingston Park.

Undone in the corresponding fixture last season by the North East outfit, Baxter watched on with glowing satisfaction as his Chiefs team ran in six tries during a polished display.

Five of those scores came in the first half as Will Chudley, Julian Salvi, Matt Jess and Don Armand (2) all crossed the whitewash. Replacement Moray Low then added another after the break with skipper Gareth Steenson completing the scoring with 11 points from his trusty right boot.

Three of Steenson’s points came in the final minute as he slotted a simple penalty from in front of the posts to further enhance his side’s dominance.

The new ruthless edge from the Chiefs is something Baxter is keen to see more of as the season progresses with Leicester Tigers next up this Saturday at Sandy Park (5:30pm).

“Not making the top four last last season on points difference has had an effect on us,” said Baxter. “It’s given us a nice, hard edge and I like that, so no apologies.”

See more at: http://exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/baxter-delighted-with-win/#sthash.vO0SWpz...

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