Barkley puts the boot in

Precision with the boot was ultimately the difference between Exeter and Bath in a close contest at Sandy Park.

Four Olly Barkley penalties secured the points for the visitors in the 9-12 result that leap frogs them above Northampton into the play-off places.

A tight opening half saw Barkley and Chiefs fly-half Gareth Steenson trade penalties, the home side leading 9-6 at the interval.

It was Exeter who dominated the opening period in front a capacity crowd in the South West, the Chiefs playing with confidence having won their previous two Premiership games.

The Sandy Park wind almost played into the Chiefs hands in the first five minutes, a high ball misjudged, their attacking endeavour rewarded only by a penalty from the boot of Ulsterman Steenson.

England International Barkley then answered with a 40m penalty, tying the scores. Steenson added a further two penalties, only for the Chiefs forwards to infringe at a ruck allowing Bath to cut the deficit to three.

Bath however enjoyed much more possession come the start of the second stanza, and it was here that they gathered a foot hold in the game. Here Bath came closest to scoring a try, only for Ben Williams to knock on with the try line begging. A touch of white-line fever perhaps.

Bath did however use this period of pressure in order to tie the score once more, Barkley levelling the scores with 50 minutes gone.

The strong running of centre Sereli Naqelevuki allowed the Chiefs to form a repost following goal line pressure from Bath, the Fijian punching holes in the visitors defence.

As the game entered its closing 10 minutes a penalty for offside gifted Steenson the opportunity to restore the home sides lead, he was however unable to take advantage, pushing the kick wide.

A further chance to take the lead arose for the Northern-Irishman; the Exeter Chief’s forwards dominating the Bath scrum resulting in a penalty, Steenson again missing.

With two minutes to play Bath once again ventured into the hosts territory, pressure once again telling and a penalty the result. From the tee Olly Barkley displayed the kicking pedigree that sees him third in the top points kickers this season to break Exeter hearts.