Exeter Chiefs denied late on by Bayonne

Exeter Chiefs suffered a late 30-24 defeat to Bayonne in their opening Challenge Cup pool game at the Stade Jean-Dauger this evening.

Adam Hughes crossed over for the first try of the game on the 20-minute mark, although that was soon cancelled out by Opeti Fonua, who touched down four minutes later.

Bayonne held a narrow lead going into the break thanks to Pierre Sayerse's try, which built on Christophe Loustalot's earlier penalty.

Carl Rimmer added the second half's opening try on 54 minutes, with Ceri Sweeney completing a trio of penalties.

Despite Loustalot finding the sticks on two more occasions in the final 20 minutes, it looked as though Exeter were going to hold out for a slender victory before Lisiate Fa'aoso's try two minutes from time paved the way for a dramatic Bayonne triumph.