Chiefs fight back after Halloween scare

Wing wizard Zach Kibirige looked to have cast the perfect spell over Exeter on his 24th birthday, only for the Chiefs to play party-poopers with a stunning second half fightback.

The Newcastle Falcons flyer helped himself to a hat-trick of tries at Kingston Park, weaving his magic with some fancy footwork and a turn of speed that at times left the Devonians clutching at straws.

However, his masterly on-field craft was sadly not enough in the end as last season’s Cup winners rallied defiantly to claim a share of the spoils thanks in the main to tries from Max Bodilly (2) and James Short.

Looking to bounce back after their first defeat of the season at Castres the previous week, it was a much-changed Chiefs line-up that took to the artificial turf in the North East.

Forwards Wilhelm Van Der Sluys and Tom Lawday were the sole survivors from that which faced the French champions in Round 2 of the Heineken Champions Cup, allowing the visitors to parade a wealth of talent keen for some much-needed game time.

Among those also on duty for the Devonians was winger Olly Woodburn, who was back for his first appearance since breaking his jaw on the opening day of the season against Leicester Tigers, while young guns such as Josh Caulfield, Sam Maunder and Harvey Skinner were also given their chance to shine on the big stage.

The Falcons, fresh from back-to-back European wins over RC Toulon and Montpellier, also took the turn to utilise their squad to the full in this opening fixture of the new-look competition, which this season is now minus the four Welsh regions.
The early exchanges were largely restricted to a test of both side’s defensive resolve as a succession of heavyweight collisions came and went without any real impact being made.

For the full match report go to https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/falcons-22-chiefs-22