Exeter Chiefs

On so-called ‘Star Wars Day’, Exeter Chiefs felt the full force of the Gallagher Premiership’s Dark Lords as Saracens powered their way to all five points in this top of the table battle at Allianz Park.

Mark McCall’s side not only cut Exeter’s lead at the summit to just four points with one round of the regular season remaining, but they revved up for next week’s Champions Cup Final with a confidence-boosting display that yielded five tries.

Alex Lewington’s converted try was all that separated the two rivals at the break, after which the home side ran riot with a second...

Rob Baxter will take nothing for granted when his Exeter Chiefs side travel to Worcester Warriors in tomorrow's Gallagher Premiership clash at Sixways (3pm).

Although the two rivals are at opposite ends of the table, the Devonians know from past experience that any drop in standard can potentially lead to disaster.

Last season, the Warriors were the only side to down the Chiefs on home soil in the Premiership, and it's for that very reason that Baxter has issued a note of caution to his players.

Add into the mix also that the Midlanders lost last weekend at bottom...

Make no mistake, this was a brutal battle.

Fighting it out in the quest for valuable league points, by the time these two Premiership heavyweights wake-up tomorrow, the blood may have been vanished, but the scars of battle will still be clearly evident.

In the end, it was Exeter Chiefs who delivered the telling blows, maintaining their three-point lead at the top of the Gallagher Premiership by flooring rivals Sale Sharks for a second time this season.

First half tries from Ollie Devoto and Don Armand paved the way for their latest triumph, after which replacement...

Rob Baxter hopes a return to home comforts tomorrow will help provide him and his Exeter Chiefs with the perfect foundation from which to attack visiting Newcastle Falcons in the Gallagher Premiership (2:30pm).

Defeat away to Gloucester a week ago saw the Devonians surrender top spot in the division, albeit on points difference to defending champions Saracens, but Baxter believes being back on familiar surroundings can ensure normal service is resumed at the first attempt.

It's been six weeks since the Chiefs last ran out at home - that was against Castres in the Heineken...