Exeter Chiefs clinch narrow win over Harlequins

Exeter Chiefs have made it four wins from five matches at the start of the Aviva Premiership season with a narrow 26-25 win over Harlequins at Sandy Park.

The visitors had the advantage early on as they were awarded a penalty try following a series of scrums, before Danny Care chipped the ball forward to set Nick Evans up for a try shortly after.

Gareth Steenson kept the home side in contention though, adding four first-half penalties for Exeter as try-scoring chances remained scarce.

Quins continued to find space down the other end though, leaving Charlie Walker to add a third, but James Short made the most of a swift counter from the Chiefs to score their opening try just before the interval.

Exeter extended their lead in the second half when Steenson added their second try of the game, but the visitors were handed a lifeline when Elvis Taione was sent to the sin bin.

Tim Visser quickly made the most of the man advantage for Harlequins, adding another try to secure a bonus point, but a missed conversion from Evans left them a point adrift.

Exeter stay second in the table as a result, while Harlequins sit third.