Chiefs on top form as they maintain home record

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter hailed his side as "exceptional" as they maintained their unbeaten home record in the Aviva Premiership with a comprehensive 42-28 victory over Harlequins at Sandy Park.

Undone seven days earlier by Leicester Tigers at Welford Road, the Chiefs bounced back from that setback by producing their best display of the season so far to record maximum points against last season's top flight champions.

In an absorbing contest from start to finish, the Devon club not only ran in five tries through Brett Sturgess, Ben White, Jason Shoemark (2) and Sireli Naqelevuki, but had recalled fly-half Gareth Steenson in top form as he helped himself to a 17-point haul.

The victory not only allowed the Chiefs to register their third success of the campaign, but it also gave them the perfect send-off ahead of their forthcoming Heineken Cup trip to reigning holders Leinster this Saturday.

"That today was a fantastic game of rugby," said a delighted Baxter afterwards. "You had two sides out there who were not only looking to play rugby, but who were going at each other hammer and tongs for 80 minutes. In the end we've come out on top and got what I think we deserved for our efforts, which is very pleasing."

For the full story, visit www.exeterchiefs.co.uk

Also see Chris Whitehead's new blog at 

http://theexeterdaily.co.uk/news/blogs/whiteheads-world-pain-backyard

What the papers said:

Martin Johnson, The Sunday Times: Exeter's rugby was so exhilarating at times it was even worth having to to endure the most banal supporters' chant  - the Tomahawk Chop - in the history of rugby.

Mike Averis, the Observer: The minor miracle that is Exeter whetted the appetite for Heinekin Cup rugby by stunning the English champions.