European Challenge Cup: Exeter 17-6 Bourgoin

Exeter (3) 17
Tries: Johnson, Tui Cons: Davis, Steenson Pens: Davis
Bourgoin (0) 6
Pens: Di Bernardo 2

Hooker Simon Alcott drives forward as Exeter attack

Exeter moved a step closer to a place in the quarter-finals of the European Challenge Cup with a unconvincing win over Bourgoin.

Despite dominating the first half, the Chiefs only had a Ryan Davis penalty to their name at the interval.

A Tom Johnson try shortly after the restart hinted at a brighter spell for the home side, but Bourgoin fought back with two Alberto Di Bernardo penalties.

Exeter improved late on with a Hoani Tui try sealing victory.

Having ridden out Bourgoin's second-half revival, the Chiefs started to move the ball around more freely in the last 10 minutes.

Their second try was made by Luke Arscott, the full-back slicing through the visitors defence to bring play within five metres of the try-line.

At the ensuing breakdown, the home side's pack were quickest to react, driving Tui over to make the game safe.

Exeter now travel to Montpellier, where victory next Saturday will see the Devon-side qualify for the last eight of the Cup at their first attempt.

Exeter: Arscott, Higgins, Dollman, Naqelevuki, Jess, Davis, Poluleuligaga, Moon, Alcott, Budgen, Hayes, Hanks, Johnson, Scaysbrook, Baxter.

Replacements: Rennie for Naqelevuki (64), Steenson for Davis (55), Thomas for Poluleuligaga (55), Elosu for Moon (78), Clark for Alcott (49), Tui for Budgen (54), Slade for Hanks (60), Phillips for Baxter (74).

Bourgoin: Di Bernardo, Va'aulu, Dumoulin, Coux, Moinot, Viazzo, M. Forest, Milloud, Janaudy, Lapteff, Louchard, Levast, Guillot, Jooste, Labrit.

Replacements: Ruel for Va'aulu (65), Van Zyl for Coux (54), Gondrand for M. Forest (66), Merle for Janaudy (47), Cowley for Levast (52).

Not Used: Tchougong, Buckle, Basson.

Sin Bin: Guillot (33).

Att: 5,265

Referee: Carlo Demasco (Italy)