Exeter Chiefs extend winning streak with 57-22 win over Worcester
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 26/11/16 8:40pm
Exeter scored eight tries to extend their impressive winning streak to three matches with a crushing 57-22 victory over Worcester at Sandy Park.
Jack Yeandle, Will Chudley, Olly Woodburn, Carl Rimmer, Thomas Waldrom, James Short and Ian Whitten all crossed the line for Exeter as they consigned the Warriors to their fourth successive Premiership defeat.
Gareth Steenson slotted over six conversions as well as an early penalty, with Joe Simmonds adding the extras to the final try from Whitten after taking over kicking duty.
Worcester scored three late tries through Josh Adams, Wynand Olivier and Dewald Potgeiter, but Exeter had already run up 45 points before their first, so Jamie Shillcock's remaining points from a penalty and two conversions were meaningless.
Shillcock actually had a chance to put Worcester ahead after Woodburn was penalised for tackling Chris Pennell in the air in the fifth minute. However, the young fly-half was off-target with his kick and the visitors rarely threatened again.
Exeter opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Woodburn made amends for his mistake by brushing aside two weak tackles to secure his side a platform from which Yeandle finished off.
The home side extended their advantage when Chudley dived over from close range in the 21st minute, with Steenson's conversion giving Exeter a commanding 17-0 lead.
Shillcock put the Warriors on the scoreboard with a penalty but the respite was only temporary as debutant referee Matthew O'Grady awarded a penalty try to Exeter after the visitors dragged down a driving maul.
Worcester lock Darren Barry was given a yellow card but Exeter were unable to make the most of their numerical advantage before the break, as Worcester held firm to go in 24-3 down.
Last season's Premiership finalists added their fourth try three minutes soon after the break when Woodburn finished off a flowing move before flanker Sam Lewis, who made his long-awaited return after being out injured for the whole of last season, was introduced for the visitors.
But they were unable to halt Exeter's onslaught and they soon conceded a fifth try when Rimmer forced his way over from close range, and then Waldrom followed.
Worcester scored their first try when a well-judged kick from Shillcock was collected by Adams to score but Short's try three minutes later took Exeter past the 50-point mark.
Olivier and Potgieter picked up consolation tries for Worcester in the last 10 minutes, but Whitten scored Exeter's eighth try in between.