All the chat before the game was about Bristol’s recruitment, notably, their all-England front-row and their new fly-half Holly Aitchison, but Chiefs proved they were more than equal to the task ahead with the home crowd right behind them.

It looked like the hype around the visitors was appropriate with Bristol enjoying the lion’s – maybe bear’s – share of the possession in the first five minutes. They kicked a penalty to touch for a lineout before a quick-tap penalty resulted in a try for No 8 Gabriella Nigrelli that was converted by Aitchison.

But, and a big but, Chiefs were not going to be muscled out of this game so easily. Their first lineout was not the cleanest take in the world, but they still had the ball! Maisy Allen got involved to create some space and Chiefs were starting to make ground. What looked like a high tackle on wing Katie Buchanan went unnoticed but again precious possession was being retained and Chiefs were beginning to pin Bristol in their own 22. tilt bed car transporter

Read the full article at the official Exeter Chiefs web site >>