Exeter Endure Tough Trip North
Exeter Chiefs have slipped to sixth in the Gallagher Premiership after a difficult outing against Sale ended in defeat.
The Vertu Motors-backed side held a top four slot heading into the game on the back of victory against Newcastle but would struggle to contain the home side at the Salford Community Stadium.
After George Ford missed an early penalty, Sale hit the front on nine minutes through Tom Roebuck, with Ford adding the extras and then a penalty as Exeter found themselves firmly on the back foot.
Luke Cowan-Dickie was then mauled over for a second try and when Josh Hodge was sent to the bin for a deliberate knock-on, Sale took advantage to score again through Gus Warr and take a 22-0 lead at the break.
Within a minute of the restart, Roebuck had his second try, and although Immanuel Feyi-Waboso managed to pull one back, Sale added further scored through Raffi Quirke and Roebuck – who completed his hat-trick just before the hour mark.
That would prove to be the final score of the game, with Sale taking the bonus point win 41-5 to leave Exeter in sixth spot – four points behind second-placed Bath.
Are you a Chiefs fan looking to replace your motor?