Exeter Chiefs secured a remarkable 35-26 victory over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road, becoming the first away side to win in the league at the venue in 14 months. Veteran full-back Olly Woodburn scored two tries to lead the Chiefs to a crucial win.
Match Overview
In material terms, the victory did little to change Exeter's playoff hopes; they still need to beat Saracens at home in their final regular-season game to reach the playoffs. However, the win injected belief into the squad as they prepare for the Sandy Park shootout.
Exeter's director of rugby, Rob Baxter, has engineered a remarkable turnaround from last season's ninth-place finish. Now, his team is within touching distance of a semi-final spot.
First Half Action
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, back in the starting lineup, carved through Leicester's defence to set up Woodburn's first try in the seventh minute. Leicester responded six minutes later with a try from academy full-back George Pearson, who scored on his first Premiership start after collecting Orlando Bailey's chip.
Bailey appeared to set up another try for Adam Radwan, but Henry Slade's excellent defence held the winger up over the line. Ollie Hassell-Collins should have scored before halftime, but a pass from Pearson went astray. A dominant Leicester scrum earned them a penalty, which Bailey converted to give the Tigers a 14-13 lead at the break.
Second Half Drama
Exeter regained the lead three minutes into the second half through a try started and finished by their Australian contingent. Tom Hooper burst through the middle, and Len Ikitau dived over in the corner. Ikitau, who missed four months with a shoulder injury, is now finding his stride.
Woodburn scored his second try in the 54th minute after a pass from Ikitau, extending Exeter's lead to 25-14. However, Woodburn was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on just before the hour mark. Leicester capitalised through Olly Cracknell's try from short range.
With 10 minutes remaining, Charlie Clare scored to give Leicester a one-point lead. But Exeter dug deep, and Andrea Zambonin powered over from close range with six minutes left. Slade converted from the touchline and added a penalty in injury time to secure the win.
Key Performances
Woodburn, now in his second decade at Sandy Park, expressed his love for scoring tries and his team. He highlighted the blend of international class and hard workers in the squad.
Leicester's head coach, Geoff Parling, acknowledged his team's shortcomings, particularly in the set piece and finishing. He stressed the need for greater accuracy ahead of their final game against Bath.
Scoring Summary
Leicester: Tries: Pearson, Cracknell, Clare. Conversions: Bailey. Penalties: Bailey (3).
Exeter: Tries: Woodburn (2), Ikitau, Zambonin. Conversions: Slade (3). Penalties: Slade (3).
Attendance: 21,249. Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe.
