Exeter Chiefs' return to form continued on Saturday as they secured an emphatic win over Championship rivals Bedford.

The Chiefs scored six tries in all, with three in the first half from forwards Chad Slade, Richie Baxter and Neil Clark.

It was more of the same after the break with further tries from Matt Jess, Saul Nelson and Haydn Thomas.

Flanker Paul Tupai scored two second-half tries for Bedford, with another from hooker Chris Locke.

Four conversions from Gareth Steenson and two from Danny Gray provided the rest of Exeter's points .

The result means the Chiefs have closed the gap on league leaders Bristol to four points, although Bristol do still have a game in hand.

Bedford have dropped to fourth, level on points with London Welsh, who beat Doncaster 17-10 to go third.

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